OZUBULU CHURCH KILLING: PROSECUTION FAILS TO PROVE ITS CASE – JUDGE, SETS TWO SUSPECTS FREE

Two remaining suspects standing trial for allegedly involved in the shooting of worshipers at St Philips’ Catholic Church Ozubulu on the August 6, 2017 have been discharged and acquitted.

In a ruling that lasted over three hours, Justice Fidelis Aniukwu of Awka High Court ruled that the prosecution counsel could not prove beyond reasonable doubt the allegations leveled against the two defendants, Messrs. Chinedu Akpunonu and  Onyebuchi Mbanefo.

Four suspects were arraigned before a High Court in November 2017 after unknown gunmen attacked and killed 13 worshipers at St Philips Catholic Church Amakwa, Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The Judge had in December 2018 discharged two out of the four persons standing trial for lack of evidence by the prosecution counsel to convict them.

Justice Aniukwu in his ruling said the prosecution witnesses could not provide any evidence linking the defendants with the murder as alleged.

The defence Counsel, Mr. Festus Kayemu (SAN), who was represented in court by another Counsel, Mr. Samuel Eserifasha, described the judgment as landmark considering the accelerated hearing granted by the presiding Judge.

Reacting to the judgment, one of the defendants, Mr. Chinedu Akpunonu, whose joy knew no bounds, thanked God for vindicating him from what he described as an attempt by some persons to dent his image and reputation.

Meanwhile the prosecution counsel, Mr. Jay Jay Ezeuko (SAN) says he would determine the next step after studying the judgment.

UCHE NDEKE