Magistrate Reginal Ochokwunu, ordered the police to return the case file to the office of the Benue Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.
Ochokwunu adjourned the case until March 5 for further mention.
Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Insp Dominic Ochaba told the court that the case was transferred from the “A” Division, Makurdi to State Criminal Investigation Department, through letter N0.AR:3I00/BNS/MKA/VOL.7/674 dated Jan. 12, 2021.
Ochaba explained that retired ASP Paul Ogwu of No: 17 Yadev Street, Wadata, Makurdi reported the case on Jan. 11 at the “A” Division Police Station Makurdi.
He alleged that the teenager, went to the house of Mr. Chidinma Omah, 28, at No.17, Yandev Street, Makurdii, poured fuel on him while he was asleep and set him ablaze.
The fire, he said, burnt down the entire house while Omah, who sustained grave burns, subsequently died while receiving treatment at the hospital.
The offense, he said, contravened the provisions of sections 338 and 222 of Penal Code Law of Benue State 2004.
Ochaba said the investigation into the matter was still ongoing and asked for additional time.
