A Makurdi Magistrate Court has arraigned a 45-year-old man for cannibalism.
Jeremiah Ode from Igwe Ochekpo in Oju Local Government Area, Benue State, is facing trial at the court for the gruesome murder of 65-year-old Priscilla Adoga.
Inspector Omaye Ujata, the Prosecuting Police Officer, informed the court that the incident, which took place on August 19, was reported by Silas Igiri of Oju Local Government Area.
According to Igiri, the accused attacked and killed Priscilla with a machete at the farm where she was working.
After decapitating Priscilla, he cooked her head into pepper soup and was consuming it when apprehended.
Local sources revealed that Priscilla’s relatives found Jeremiah, who is known to have mental health issues, eating the woman’s head when they went searching for her after she didn’t return from the farm on time.
Jeremiah reportedly confessed to planning to consume the rest of Priscilla’s body after starting with her head.
During questioning by the Police, Jeremiah claimed that he had a confrontation with Priscilla, and he overpowered her with a machete.
Chief Magistrate Mrs. Regina Alagh ordered that the accused be remanded at the Federal Correctional Centre, Makurdi.
Although the court declined jurisdiction, the accused pleaded guilty to the charge during the hearing.
The case has been adjourned to November 11 for legal advice from the State Ministry of Justice.