Apolo Atserga: Man allegedly attempts to kill father, family in Benue

The Police Command in Benue, on Thursday arraigned one Mr Apolo Atserga, 47, in Makurdi Upper Area Court 2b, for alleged mischief by fire and attempt to commit culpable homicide.

The Police Prosecutor, Insp Veronica Shaagee, told the court that the case was transferred from Logo Divisional Police Headquarters, Ugba, to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Makurdi via letter number AR:3100/BNS/LOG/VOL.6/478, and dated March 11.

Shaagee said that one Ngulenen Asema of Uja village, Yonov ward, Logo Local Government Area (LGA), reported the case at the Police Station, Ugba on Feb. 26.

She said the accused attacked Mr Asema Ugber, his father, of the same address, at home, set the thatch house ablaze while he was sleeping with his wife and children.

The prosecutor said the intention of the accused was to kill Ugber and his family.

“During the fire incident, items including 12 inches mattress valued at N60,000, 2 food coolers valued at N25,000, and 5 different designer plates valued at N40,000 and cash sum of N70,000 were gutted by fire.

“Others are the couple and their children’s clothes, which are yet to be valued,” she said.

She said the accused was arrested during Police investigation, which was still ongoing, and requested for additional time to complete it.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened sections 338 and 230 of the Penal Code Law of Benue State, 2004.

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

The Magistrate, Mrs Dooshima Ikpambese, remanded the accused at the Federal Correctional Center, Makurdi, and adjourned the case until April 20, for further mention.

(NAN)