Court frees two remaining suspects in Ozubulu Church killings

A state high court sitting in Awka has discharged and acquitted
the two remaining suspects allegedly involved in the shooting of
worshipers at St Philips Catholic Church Ozubulu on 6th August
2017.

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

The judge further stated that the prosecution witnesses could
not provide any evidence linking the defendants with the murder of
the thirteen worshippers at St Philips Catholic church, Ozobulu as
alleged.

The defence counsel, Festus Kayemo, who was represented in court
by another counsel, Samuel Echeakputa described the judgement as
landmark considering the accelerated hearing granted by the
presiding judge.

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

It would be recalled that four suspects were arraigned before a
high court in November 2017 after an unknown gunmen attacked and
killed thirteen worshipers at St Philips Catholic church Amakwa,
Ozubulu in Ekwusigo local government area.

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.