The Youth President of Kpean community in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Lemii Peteba, has told a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt that the former Caretaker Committee (CTC) Chairman of Khana LGA, Sunny Bekanwa, was responsible for funding a cult group known as Yolla Marine Deck, which he described as the leading cult network in the area.
Peteba, who appeared as a prosecution witness in the ongoing murder trial of Bekanwa and Henry Barikui-Dele, alleged that the former chairman personally ordered the killing of Dr. Lucky Keena and Engineer Deyaa Dunsara in the Kpean community.
Testifying in court, Peteba, who is also a lecturer at Ken Polytechnic, Bori, revealed that he had previously petitioned Bekanwa and Barikui-Dele to the now defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) over their alleged involvement in cult-related activities and killings.
However, he expressed disappointment that the police failed to ensure justice was served.
He further testified that Bekanwa, as a known cult leader in the Kpean community, initially refused to participate in a traditional oath-taking ceremony aimed at ending cult violence in the area. However, he later agreed to take the oath after being appointed as the CTC Chairman, following pressure from fellow cult members who insisted he must take the oath first.
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Presiding Judge Justice I.P.C. Igwe adjourned the trial to April 7, May 22, and May 28, 2025, for the continuation of the prosecution’s cross-examination.
Bekanwa, Barikui-Dele, and others still at large are facing a seven-count charge, including murder, cultism, conspiracy, and participation in cult-related activities.
The duo was initially arrested and arraigned before a magistrate court in 2023 before their case was transferred to the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice. Based on the DPP’s recommendation, the matter was moved to the High Court.
Bekanwa has made multiple attempts to secure bail, including at the Sakpawa High Court, but all efforts have been denied as the prosecution insists on a full trial.
