Court!

Jethro Ibileke/Benin

An Evbuoriaria Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Benin, Edo State, has ordered the remand of five members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, in prison custody, over alleged murder of one of their church members.

The accused persons: Godwin Ukrakpor (70), Uche Esegine (22), Taiwo Omogoroye (42), Austin On (39) and Meshak Owuh (28); who were arraigned on a two-count charge, allegedly committed the offence at about 5 am on 1st July 2017, at Sapele Road, Benin City, while returning from all night.

The accused persons who were charged in the case with number MEV/251C/17, were also alleged by the prosecution to have acted in a manner that negligently caused the death of the 19-years-old victim, Lucky Chukwuka who is a member of the Embassy Parish of the church, Ugbowo, Benin.

The alleged offense was said to be punishable under sections 316 and 325 of the criminal code.

The Presiding Chief Magistrate, Frank Idiake, who refused to take the plea of the accused owing to the magnitude, also declined jurisdiction over the matter

He thereafter ordered that the accused persons be remanded in prison custody and referred their case to the State DPP for legal advice.