The Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court ruled on Thursday for the remand of a 41-year-old carpenter, Terwase Ude, at the Nigeria Correctional Service Centre, Makurdi, over allegations of fatally assaulting Teryila Aperegh.
Ude, residing in Central Deke village within Konshisha Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, faced charges of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide.
However, Mr. Kelvin Mbanongun, the Chief Magistrate, refrained from accepting Ude’s plea due to jurisdictional reasons.
The matter was adjourned until January 30, 2024, for further proceedings.
Previously, Insp. Godwin Ato, the Prosecution Counsel, informed the court that the case had been transferred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Tse-Agberagba, Konshisha LGA, to the State CID, Makurdi, on November 22, as detailed in a letter.
Ato explained that on November 16, the police received information alleging that Ude, serving as the youth leader of Central Deke village, conspired with other youths to kill an individual.
According to Ato, the defendant purportedly collaborated with Saater Mzahan, Udo Agber, Aondowase Tsekan, and others yet to be apprehended, falsely accusing the deceased of stealing yams. Subsequently, they allegedly beat him to death using sticks, cable wires, and other dangerous weapons.
During the police investigation, Ude was arrested, while others involved remained at large.
The prosecutor stated that the accused’s actions violated sections 97 and 222 of the Penal Code, Laws of Benue, 2004.
