A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Makurdi on Wednesday heard that three farmers tortured a 70-year-old man to death.

The farmers, Orngu Shuhu, Ityonenge Azungur and Andrew Ber who are of Mbakume Mbayier Village, Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue, were charged with criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide.

Police prosecutor, Inspector Jonah Uletu told the court that the man was killed by the suspects and others at large.

He noted that a complaint, Joseph Baver, who is the deceased son, reported the murder to the police.

He said the suspects attacked his father, tortured him to a state of coma, tied his hands and legs and threw him into River Sambe.

The complainant said his father died as a result of the torture by the suspects.

Mr Uletu said that the suspects were arrested during a police investigation for committing the crime while others were still at large.

He said the offences contravened the provisions of Sections 97 and 222 of the Penal Code Laws of Benue, 2004. 

Chief Magistrate Vincent Kor, who did not take the plea of the suspects for want of jurisdiction, ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Correctional Service Centre, Makurdi for allegedly killing a 70-year old man.

Mr Kor adjourned the matter until September 8, for further mention.

(NAN)