Rivers Commences Trial Of 4 Suspected Cultists

The trial of four suspected cult members that allegedly terrorised parts of the Ogoni communities in the state has commenced.

The Rivers State Government arraigned the suspects on counts of conspiracy, kidnapping, cultism, murder and possession of illegal firearms.

Soniabari Sagha, Precious Mona, Loveday Legah and Confidence Kirinee, popularly called General Illa, are alleged to have on March 5, 2019, invaded Zaakpo community in Khana Local Government Area, conspired, kidnapped and killed a pharmacist, Muanalo Sunday, despite collecting N10, 000 as ransom from his family.

Speaking from the witness box, the wife of the late pharmacist, Pretty Sunday-Neewa, told the court that the four defendants deceived her husband that they were not going to kill him, but only taking him into the bush for oath-taking, despite pleas from her.

She said her husband never came back alive but was found inside a well in a forest within the community with his manhood, head and his intestine taken away by the defendants and others now at large.

The trial judge, Justice Augusta Kingsley-Chukwu, after listening to the prosecution witness, adjourned the case to May 16, 23, 27, June 4, 11, 18 and July 25 for the continuation of cross-examination.