Samuel Odeh, Moses Ijuo, remanded over attempt to murder village head in Benue

A Makurdi Magistrates’ Court on Monday ordered that the duo of Samuel Odeh and Moses Ijuo, be remanded in a correctional centre over alleged attempt to kill one Chief Francis Okogi.

Okogi is the Clan Head of Ogege Idelle Village in Oju Local Government area in Benue.

The defendants, both from Oju Local Government area are being tried for criminal conspiracy, attempt to commit an offence to with culpable homicide and illegal possession of firearms.

The Prosecutor, Insp James Ewache, told the court that the case was reported by one Abraham Onyeka of Ogege Idelle Village at the Oju Police Station on January 21.

Ewache alleged that the defendants, who had been terrorising innocent citizens of the village, were arrested by members of the community.

He said that one locally made pistol was allegedly recovered from Odeh when he was arrested.

Ewache said that Odeh conspired with his gang members, many of whom were at large, on January 20 and invaded the residence of Okogi.

He alleged that in an attempt to kill the village head, they shot at him but the village head escaped.

He said that during police investigation, Odeh allegedly revealed that the pistol he used during the attack was given to him by the second defendant, Ijuo.

Ewache said the offences contravened Section 6(b) of the Robbery and Firearms Act, 2004 and Section 230 of the Penal Code, Law of Benue state, 2004.

The Magistrate, Mrs Erdoo Ter, who did not take the plea of the defendants for want of jurisdiction, ordered that the defendants should be remanded at the Makurdi Correctional Centre.

Ter adjourned the case until March 15, for further hearing.

NAN