2nd August, 2017
Jethro Ibileke/Benin
An Evbuoriaria Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Benin, Edo State, has ordered five members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, to be remanded in prison over alleged murder of one of their members.
The accused persons; Godwin Ukrakpor (70), Uche Esegine (22), Taiwo Omogoroye (42), Austin Oni (39) and Meshak Owuh (28); who were arraigned on a two-count charge, allegedly committed the offence at about 5 am on 1 July 2017, at Sapele Road, Benin City, while returning from a vigil.
The accused persons were alleged to have acted in a negligent manner and caused the death of 19-year-old victim, Lucky Chukwuka, who is a member of the Embassy Parish of the church, Ugbowo, Benin.
The alleged offence is punishable under sections 316 and 325 of the Criminal Code.
The Presiding Chief Magistrate, Frank Idiake, who refused to take the pleas of the accused owing to the magnitude of the offence, also declined jurisdiction over the matter
He ordered that the accused persons be remanded in prison custody and referred their case to the state DPP for legal advice.