Lagos, Nigeria - A Nigerian court on Wednesday remanded a self-styled church pastor and two other suspects charged with burning to death a member of their church, Channels television reported.
The pastor Emeka Ezeugo, 40, leader of the Christian Praying Assembly, Donatus Chiazor, 53, and Kelechi Chikere Queen, 26, had previously been charged with the attempted murder of church members by setting fire to them.
The court in Lagos, Nigeria's economic capital, amended the charge to actual murder following the death of one of the church members. On Wednesday there was so far no official confirmation of the death.
All three pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to the prosecution, the three suspects allegedly poured petrol on the church members and set fire to them. The motive behind the alleged crime is not yet known.
At Wednesday's hearing, presiding magistrate Teslim Elias said that his court had power to remand the suspects in prison. He adjourned a further hearing in the case to September 13, Channels said.
The channel also reported that at least one person died following clashes outside the court between supporters of the pastor and people in the street.