It was supposed to be a New Year’s Day tryst that would end in good sex between Idoko, a 500-level student of Federal University of Technology, Minna, and Isa, a groundnut seller. Like they agreed, he’d paid her N2000 and she had pocketed it. She’d also come to his house as agreed. But sex did not happen that day, only Isa’s lifeless head was found in Idoko’s room.
For that, the student, Godwin Lawani Idoko, was arraigned before a Minna Chief Magistrate Court, for allegedly beheading Ramatu Isa, for refusing him sex.
The girl would not be able to narrate her own side of the incident, but Idoko insists that he did not behead her, he only stabbed her.
‘’I did not behead the lady. I only stab her on the neck when she refused to agree to my demand for sex after she has collected the N2000 we agreed.
‘’Instead of allowing me to make love, she forcefully held and squeezed my manhood and bit me on my palm before I stabbed her on the neck. It was at the Bosso Police Station that I was told she was beheaded,’’ said Idoko.
He said this after the Chief Magistrate had read the charge sheet and told him to take a plea, noting that the offence, culpable homicide, was punishable under Section 221 of the Penal Code. He first refused to take a plea, asking instead that the judge interprets Section 221 for him, to which the judge explained that if found guilty, he could face a death penalty. At that point he denied the beheading charge but admitted that he’d stabbed her.
It was his neighbours who’d first noticed Idoko’s strange movements, after which they called a police patrol team which led to the discovery of the victim’s lifeless body in his Rafin Yasin residence, Minna.
In the court, after his initial statement, Idoko refused to speak further, demanding instead to see his lawyer and the neighbours who reported him to the police.
The prosecutor, Inspector John Atumeyi later told the court that the matter is still being investigated, and prayed that the accused person be remanded in prison. The prayers were granted and the judge ordered that he be remanded in Minna prison.
The Chief Magistrate Gabi assured the accused of legal representation in view of the enormity of the offence.
The matter was adjourned to March 14, 2013 for further hearing.
