6 arraigned over bishop’s murder

12.03.2008

Six persons were on Monday arraigned for allegedly killing Bishop Ogbonnaya Onyewububu, an Anglican Bishop based in the United States

The accused included Chinedu Nnadumele, Chibuike Ubani, Ahamefule Arisa, Uchechukwu Ogbonna, Adanma Arisa and Oko Rachael.

The accused persons allegedly shot and killed the bishop while robbing him of N20,000 cash and a Nokia handset.

They were also said to have robbed his sister, Lilian, of her Nokia handset and a VCD player.

The robbery took place at Azumiri, Umukabia, in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, according to the prosecution.

When the case came up at an Umuahia High Court , they pleaded not guilty to the three-count charges of possession of firearms, murder and robbery of the deceased and Lilian on November 4, 2007.

The Director of Public Prosecution, Mr. David Onyeike, applied for the matter to be stepped down for trial.

The defence counsel, Chief Gab Chionye and Mr Obinna Chinakalam, did not oppose the application.

Justice Sunday Imo thereafter, adjourned trial till April 4, and ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody.

The late bishop, who was on holiday when the incident occurred, was buried on February 9.