Innocent German (25) and Benjamin Echekwe (25), described as farmers, on Tuesday appeared in a Lokoja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly killing Peter Akwayi, a fisherman in Kogi.
The two accused were charged with criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide contrary to Sections 97(1) and 221(a) of the Penal Code.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Friday Shaibu, told the court that the accused committed the offence at Elele Village in Ibaji Local Government Area of the state on March 19.
The prosecutor said one Friday David of Elele Village reported the matter at the Divisional Police Headquarters, Onyedega.
He said that on the fateful day, at about 7:20 p.m while the deceased was fishing in Aji-Ojua River, the accused, conspired, armed with dane gun and attacked and shot Akwayi dead.
Shaibu said having killed David, the accused dumped the corpse in the bush and covered it with leaves.
The prosecutor, who said police investigation led to the arrest of the accused while investigation into the case continued, applied for another day for mention of the case.
“I object to their bail. We ask for a Custodian Order to remand the defendants at the Federal Prisons, Idah,” the Prosecutor pleaded.
The Chief Magistrate, Levi Animoku, in his ruling, described culpable homicide preferred against the accused as the highest crime known to the laws of the country.
He said the court would not grant bail to the accused in spite the presumption of their innocence as guaranteed by the Constitution.
“The offence alleged against them under Section 221 of the Penal Code is a fearful one. So, the defendants shall be remanded at the Federal Prisons, Idah,” he ordered.
Animoku, therefore, transferred the case to Chief Magistrate’s Court, Idah and adjourned the case to April 24 for mention. (NAN)
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