A Magistrates' Court in Makurdi has ordered that Utim Ukerchia be remanded in a correctional centre for allegedly causing the death of two children in Daudu, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The police charged Ukerchia with culpable homicide and acts of terrorism.
Court proceedings and jurisdictional issues
Magistrate Mrs N.E. Kaka'an did not take the plea of the defendant due to lack of jurisdiction. She directed the police to return the case file to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice. The matter was adjourned until October 2 for further mention. Prosecution Counsel, Insp. Godwin Ato, informed the court that investigation into the matter was still ongoing and requested an adjournment.
Details of the alleged poisoning incident
The police alleged that Ukerchia poisoned garri on May 13 and gave it to a four-year-old girl, who unknowingly consumed it alongside her siblings and six other children. According to the police, the children became sick after consuming the food and were rushed to hospital for treatment. Two of the children later died as a result of the poisoning.
Confession and legal charges
According to the police, Ukerchia allegedly made a voluntary confession during investigation, while the surviving victims identified him as the person who allegedly poisoned the food. The offences are punishable under Sections 222 and 230 of the Penal Code Laws of Benue, 2004, and Section 4(2) of the Abduction, Hostage Taking, Kidnapping, Secret Cult and Other Similar Activities Prohibition Law of Benue, 2017. The case is scheduled to return to court on October 2 for further mention.
