By Martin Iyonguvihi
A 21-year-old Fulani herdsman, Suleiman Muhammed of Fulani camp in Igberi Effeche, Okpoga in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue state has been remanded in prison custody for alleged rape of a 42-year-old woman, Elizabeth Odeh.
The suspect, who was arraigned before a Makurdi Chief Magistrate Court for rape and causing hurt was recently arrested by the Police when he was reported by the victim’s husband, Mr Emmanuel Odeh to have committed the offence, contrary to section 284 and 247 of the Penal Law of Benue State 2004.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Omaye Ujata told the court that the suspect, Muhammed, armed with a cutlass had ordered Mrs Odeh, while working on her farm to lie down, forcefully pulled off her clothes and had sexual intercourse with her against her wish. He further said, while she was struggling for her life, she sustained injuries on her face and knees.
When the case came up in court, no plea was taken for lack of jurisdiction as the prosecutor asked for adjournment to complete investigations, and applied that the accused person be remanded at the Makurdi correctional facility.
Ruling, the Magistrate, J.K Akoko Esq ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Makurdi correctional centre and adjourned the case to 22 March, 2021 for further mention.
