The Police in Benue on Monday arraigned one Terhile Atakpa, 24, before a Makurdi Upper Area Court for alleged criminal conspiracy, membership of unlawful society, cultism and culpable homicide.

The Prosecutor, Insp Veronica Shaagee, told the court that the case was transferred from the Divisional Police Headquarters Naka Gwer-West LGA to State CID Makurdi on Jan. 27.

Shaagee said that one Mr Amedu Emberga of Phase II Naka town reported the case at the Naka Police Station on Jan. 23.

She averred that the informant on Jan. 19, received a distress call that rival cult groups clashed behind Mount Sanai College Naka, during which his brother, one Victor Igbakula, 25, was gruesomely murdered being the leader of Black Skull.

She said during police investigation, one Terhile Atakpa, who is a staunch member of Black Skull Confraternity, was arrested for committing the crime while other members of his group were still at large.

Shaagee said the defendant contravened the Penal Code Law of Benue State 2004 and the Abduction, Kidnapping, Hostage Taking, Secret Cult and Similar Activities Prohibition Law of Benue State 2017.

She said investigation into the matter was still ongoing and requested for additional time to complete it.

However, when the case came up for mention, no plea was taken for want of jurisdiction.

The Magistrate, Mr Vershima Hwande, remanded the defendant at the Federal Maximum Correctional Centre, Makurdi and adjourned the case until March 1 for further mention. (NAN)