A Magistrates’ Court in Makurdi, Benue State, has ordered that Utim Ukerchia be remanded in a correctional centre over allegations that he caused the d3aths of two children in Daudu, Guma Local Government Area of the state.

The police charged Ukerchia with culpable h0micide and acts of terrorism.

Magistrate Mrs N.E. Kaka’an did not take the defendant’s plea, citing 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 court adjourned the case until October 2 for further mention.

Police Allege Poisoned Garri Was Given to Children

The prosecution counsel, Insp. Godwin Ato, told the court that investigations into the matter were still ongoing and requested an adjournment.

According to the police, Ukerchia allegedly po!soned garri on May 13 and gave it to a four-year-old girl, who reportedly consumed it unknowingly along with her siblings and six other children.

The children allegedly became ill after eating the food and were subsequently taken to hospital for medical treatment.

Police said two of the children later d!ed from the incident.

The authorities further alleged that Ukerchia made a voluntary confession during the investigation, while surviving victims reportedly identified him as the person who allegedly po!soned the food.

The police said the alleged offences are punishable under Sections 222 and 230 of the Penal Code Laws of Benue, 2004, and Section 4(2) of the Abd¥ction, Hostage Taking, K!dnapping, Secret Cult and Other Similar Activities Prohibition Law of Benue, 2017.