June 2, 2023

A Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court on Friday ordered that three farmers be remanded in a correctional centre for allegedly being in possession of a human head.

The police charged Samuel Okpachi, Peter Ochigbo and Michael Suleiman of Adoka Community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue with criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide and unlawful possession of firearms.

However, the Magistrate, Mrs Roseline Iyorshe did not take their pleas for want of jurisdiction.

Iyorshe adjourned the matter until July 6, for further mention.

Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Insp Godwin Ato told the court that the case was received at the state CID, Makurdi on May 10, via a transfer letter dated May 9.

Ato said the letter stated that while on routine patrol on Nov. 17, 2022, operatives of FIB, STS, IGP Squad, Abuja received a tip off from a reliable source that the suspects lodged at the Nemi Guest Inn opposite AGIS School Corner, Mararaba, Nasarawa state.

He said that the patrol team searched the guest inn and arrested the suspects with a fresh female head.

The prosecutor said the team also recovered two locally made single barrel gun, 14 rounds of live cartridges, four expanded cartridge and one complete black police uniform from the defendants.

The offence, Ato said, contravene the provisions of Sections 97 and 222 of the Penal Code Laws of Benue, 2004 and 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms Act, 2004(NAN)