A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Makurdi, Benue State, has ordered the remand of six farmers in connection with the alleged murder of a 72-year-old man, Andrew Katseen.
The defendants Ternenge Torkuma, Emmanuel Tersoo, Sesugh Gbuusu, Emmanuel Mvendaga, Saaondo Beeka, and Torkuma Akiighir all residents of Jato Aka in Kwande Local Government Area, are facing charges of criminal conspiracy, criminal trespass, and culpable homicide.
Presiding over the case on Wednesday, Chief Magistrate Kelvin Mbanongun declined to take their pleas, citing lack of jurisdiction.
He ordered their remand at the Makurdi Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until September 29 for further mention.
According to the prosecution, led by Godwin Ato, the case was transferred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Adikpo to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Makurdi on July 17, following a letter dated July 16.
The prosecution said the matter was reported by one Tyoyila Katseen of Christ the King College, Adikpo, on July 13.
The complainant stated that he was informed by a family member, Edward Katseen, on July 14, that the deceased’s body had been discovered at his residence with visible head injuries and a pestle found nearby — suspected to be the murder weapon.
Investigations led to the arrest of the six accused, while others believed to be involved remain at large. Police say efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.
The alleged offences contravene Sections 97, 349, and 222 of the Benue State Penal Code Law, 2004.