Four suspects were, on Thursday, arraigned before an Anambra State Magistrates’ Court sitting at Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of the state, over their alleged involvement in the killings at St. Philip’s Catholic Church, Ozubulu, on August 6.
No fewer than 13 persons were killed in the attack, while about 22 were injured.
Those arraigned were Great Chinedu Akpunonu (44), Vincent Ike (57), Chukwudi Ugwu (30) and Onyebuchi Mbanefo (46).
Three other suspects are still at large.
They were arraigned on 37 counts bordering on conspiracy and murder.
A South Africa-based businessman, Aloysius Ikegwuonu, whose father was killed in the attack, the Parish Priest of St. Philip’s Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Jude Onwuaso and six others were called as witnesses.
Their charges read in part, “That you, Great Chinedu Akpunonu, ‘M;’ Vincent Ike, ‘M,’ Chukwudi Ugwu, ‘M,’ others now at large on or about 6th day of August, 2017 at St. Philip Catholic Church, Amakwa Ozubulu at about 0600hrs in the Ekwusigo Magisterial District, did conspire to commit felony to wit: murder.
“You thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 494 of the Criminal Code Cap 36 Vol II revised laws of Anambra State of Nigeria 1991.
“That you Great Chinedu Akpunonu ‘M’, Vincent Ike, ‘M’, Chukwudi Ugwu, ‘M’ and others now at large on the same date, place, time and within the aforementioned magisterial district did unlawfully kill one Anthoni Ufondu ‘F’ by shooting her with a gun which caused her death.
“You thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 274(1) of the Criminal Code Cap 36 Vol H revised laws of Anambra State of Nigeria 1991.
“That you Great Chinedu Akpunonu ‘M’, Vincent Ike ‘M’, Chukwudi Ugwu ‘M’ others now at large on the same date, place, time and within the aforementioned magisterial district did unlawfully kill one Anurika Obunadike ‘F’ by shooting her with a gun which caused her death.
“You thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 274(1) of the Criminal Code Cap 36 Vol H revised laws of Anambra State of Nigeria 1991.”
The counsel for the first defendant (Akunononu), Mr. Okechukwu Ikenna, sought the leave of the court for medical treatment of his client who he said was “seriously ill.”
The prosecuting counsel, B.A. Onwuemekaghi, opposed the application, saying such plea should come by writing and not oral.
Application for bail for second, third and fourth defendants failed, as the magistrate, C.O. Ezenwanne, refused the application.
The magistrate referred the matter to High Court Nnewi for hearing.
Source: The Punch
