A 62-year-old man, Martins Oghenevurie, has been remanded in a correctional facility by a Benin High Court following allegations of murder for ritual purposes, according to court proceedings on Friday.

Justice Williams Aziegbemhin ordered the remand after the prosecution requested time to seek advice from the state Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The case has been adjourned until May 30 for further hearing.

Oghenevurie faces a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder. According to prosecutor I.E. Ekibade, the defendant, alongside one Edward Oghenevurie who remains at large, allegedly committed the crime on April 23 at No. 2, Martin Close, Off Martins Street, Off Ikhueniro, within the Benin Judicial Division.

The prosecution alleges that the defendants, armed with dangerous weapons, attacked and murdered an unidentified female victim. In a particularly disturbing development, they reportedly removed her private parts, breasts, and other organs for ritual purposes.

The alleged offenses contravene Sections 247 and 242(1) of the Criminal Law of Edo State Law, 2022. In a motion exparte, the prosecutor urged the court to remand the defendant in a correctional center for an initial period of 14 days pending legal advice from the DPP's office.

The case has raised concerns about ritual killings in the region, a practice where human body parts are harvested for ceremonies believed by perpetrators to bring wealth or power.

Authorities continue to search for the second suspect, Edward Oghenevurie, as investigations into the gruesome murder proceed.