Court remands clan head over alleged homicide

 

A Makurdi Upper Area Court on Friday remanded Chief Simon Adanu, 60, Ugbobi Clan Head in Apa Local Government in the Federal Prison Makurdi on an allegation of homicide.

The police charged the defendant with criminal conspiracy, causing grievous hurt, mischief, illegal possession of firearms and culpable homicide.

NAN reports that Adanu could not take his plea as a result of a motion challenging the jurisdiction of the court to handle such matter.

The Magistrate, Ms Fatima Akimtomide went ahead to remand the defendant and adjourned the case until January 11.

The police prosecutor, Insp Veronica Shaagee had told the court that the case was transferred from Divisional Police Headquarters, Apa to State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department.

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Shaagee said the police had evidence that showed that the defendant led people to invade Okwiji Community.

“The people of Ugbobi community in Apa local government headed by Chief Simon Adanu led Edache Idakwu, Benny Odoba, Idagba Idakwu, Enoch Ochoche, Sardauna Odoba and many others to attack Okwiji community.

“They had unlawfully armed themselves with guns and invaded community.

“They shot sporadically at different directions and killed Matthew Ochoyo, Benjamin Ada, Stephen Ujah, Monday Gabriel, Emmanuel Obochi as a result of various injuries they had sustained from the bullets.

“Survivors of the attack who sustained injuries are still receiving treatment in the hospital,’’ she said.

She said the defendant also led the people to burn down houses with valuable property yet to be estimated in the community.

The prosecution further said Adanu was arrested during investigation while others were still at large.

Shaagee said the offence contravened the provisions of sections 97, 246, 337 and 222 of the Penal Code Laws of Benue State.