Ozubulu killings: Suspects go scot free [quote][/quote]

John Ndu, Awka

Two remaining suspects standing trial for allegedly involved in the shooting of worshipers at St Philips Catholic Church Ozubulu on the 16th of August 2017 have been discharged and acquitted.

The two suspects were Mr Chinedu Akpunonu and Mr Onyebuchi Mbanefo.

In a ruling that lasted for over three hours yesterday, justice Fidelis Aniukwu of high court sittng in Awka ruled that the prosecution counsel could not prove beyond reasonable doubt the allegations leveled against them.

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.

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 Echeakputa described the judgement as landmark considering the accelerated hearing granted by the presiding judge.

Reacting to the judgement, one of the defendants, Mr 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.

Meanwhile the prosecution counsel , Mr Jay Jay Ezeuko SAN says he would determine the next step when they get a copy of the judgement .