Matilda Omonaiye/
A Magistrates’ Court in Ebonyi has remanded a 26-year-old barber in a correctional facility for beheading a two-year-old boy.
Christian Nweke reportedly beheaded Onyedikachi Nwali and drank his blood in the premises of a church, while the mother went to fetch water.
NewsmakersNG learnt that the suspect who suffered from persistent chest pain was brought from Onitsha, Anambra State to the Church of Christ Mission, Ugbaenyim Ezza, in Ebonyi State where the boy and his parents were also seeking spiritual help.
The suspect who was arraigned on one count of murder was alleged to have committed the crime on December 13, 2019, at the premises of the church.
The police prosecutor, Sergeant Sebastine Alumona, said the offence was punishable under Section 319 (1) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 33, Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009.
The defence counsel applied to the court that his client be admitted to bail as he would not interfere with lawful investigation into the matter.
Alumona, however, opposed the bail application and told the court that the suspect would jump bail and interfere with investigation into the matter.
In her ruling, Chief Magistrate Nnenna Onuoha, said the court lacked the jurisdiction to grant bail on such cases.
She directed that the accused be remanded in the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Abakaliki, while his case file should be transferred to the Director of Public Prosecutions in the state for advice.
She adjourned the matter till January 17, 2020.
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