by Akan Ido

A suspect, Jonah Jabbah is facing the Karu Chief Magistrates’ Court in Abuja, for attempting to kill his eight year old cousin for ritual purposes saying he believes the young boy is responsible for his misfortune in life.

Simon Ezekiel, the investigating officer in charge of the case said Jabbah confessed this to law enforcement officers during interrogation.

The suspect who was standing trial alongside his brother, Nanah Jabbah and one Alhaji Mamman, are facing a three-count charge of criminal conspiracy, abduction and attempt to commit an offence.

Ezekiel said the suspects took the eight year old boy to a spiritualist based in Durumi II, Abuja, Mohammed Ibrahim, for ritual purposes.

He said, “The spiritualist requested for N30,000 to enable him buy the items needed for the ritual which they provided.

“Ibrahim, who told them to wait for him in his shrine while he went to purchase the items, tipped off the SSS whose operatives stormed the shrine and arrested the suspects.

“During interrogation, the first accused person (Jonah) told me that the boy was his cousin and had been staying with him for some time before the incident.

“He said after the boy joined him, his provision business collapsed and his pick-up van broke down beyond repair.

“Jonah confessed that he decided to use him for ritual because he later discovered that the boy was in a secret society and was responsible his misfortune,’’ he alleged.

The prosecution counsel later tendered signed statements made by the accused persons at the police station. All of them agreed that the statements were signed by them.

The Chief Magistrate, Shaibu Ahmed reportedly adjourned the case till May 30, for continuation of hearing and presentation of more witnesses.