A Magistrates’ Court in Abakaliki on Friday discharged a minor charged with alleged murder and cultism.
The police charged the minor alongside Emmanuel Amaech 25; Obioma Jame, 24; Uchechukwu Daniel, 22; Kelechi Ogbonna, 18; Godswill Nwite, 49; Felix Maduabuchi, 24; Obinna Joseph 22 and Paulinus Oboko, 48 with five counts bordering on murder and cultism.
In her ruling, Magistrate Blessing Chukwu discharged the 16-year-old boy after hearing that he was not a party of the offence.
Chukwu ordered that the eight other defendants should be remanded in police custody.
Chukwu adjourned the matter until Oct 8 for further hearing.
Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Insp Martin Eze told the court that the defendants committed the offence on Sept. 4, in Umuka, Okposi in Ohaozara local government area of Ebonyi.
He said that they committed felony with murder and thereby committed and offence punishable under section 324 of the criminal code cap 33, vol. 1 laws of Ebonyi 2009.
The defendants, he said, murdered shot and killed Ejike Hyacinth.
The Defence Counsel, Mr Emeka Anosike, had earlier prayed for bail for his clients which were opposed by the Prosecuting Counsel.