A Family Court in Ughelli Community, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, has dismissed a fabricated case filed against three children accused of being cultists and committing theft. The court struck out the case on Friday, May 14, 2026, after determining that no valid petition was presented and no complainant appeared before the bench. The decision was confirmed by Comrade (Elder) Amrevuahwo Edariese, a former Chairman of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), who spoke to DAILY POST in Warri on Sunday.
The three children—Senior Sargin ‘M’ (12), Believe Sargin ‘M’ (12), and Precious Sargin ‘F’ (7)—were initially arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Orhuwhorhun Magisterial District, Udu Local Government Area, on January 16, 2026. They were charged with conspiracy to break and enter a store, breaking out after the intrusion, and stealing goods worth N215,950, including Indomie, fried groundnut, yoghurts, fried meat, plastic items, and N150,000 in cash. The charges were brought under Sections 516, 411(1)(2), and 390(9) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C21 Vol. 1, Laws of Delta State, 2026.
Edariese revealed that the case was baseless and concocted by the police, who presented no written petition from any complainant. He emphasized that neither the police nor the alleged victim, Joy Oreva Egbeka, showed up in court when the case was called for mention. The court, presided over by His Worship O.A. Dedekuma (Mrs.), Senior Magistrate Grade II, transferred the case to the Family Court in Ughelli Judicial Division for further proceedings.
When the case was mentioned before the Family Court, presided over by Your Worship Afornighe A. Edewor, it was dismissed due to lack of evidence and procedural irregularities. The court found the allegations to be fabricated and the charges unsubstantiated. The children, who pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge, were cleared of all accusations and released.
This incident highlights serious concerns about the handling of cases involving minors and the need for due process in the Nigerian justice system. The dismissal of the case underscores the importance of proper documentation and the presence of complainants in legal proceedings. It also raises questions about the role of law enforcement in initiating cases without sufficient evidence.
The outcome serves as a reminder that children must be protected from unjust accusations and that the legal system must uphold fairness and accountability. Moving forward, stakeholders are urged to ensure that all cases, especially those involving minors, are thoroughly investigated and properly documented before being presented in court.
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