An Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has discharged and acquitted two suspects named in the killing of worshippers at St. Philips Catholic Church, Ozubulu, Ekwusigo local government area of Anambra.
No less than 13 persons died when a gunman rained bullets at the church’s premises on August 6, 2017.
Two out of four suspects brought before the court had been discharged in December 2018.
Justice Fidelis Aniukwu, in a three-hour judgement, said the prosecution counsel failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendants, Chinedu Akpunonu and Onyebuchi Mbanefo, were connected to the crime.
Defence counsel, Festus Keyamo, in reaction, said: “It’s the prosecution’s right to appeal the judgement. But from what I witnessed in the court today, it will be very difficult for the appeal court to upturn the judgement.”
One of the freed suspects, Mr Akpunonu, told journalists that he was grateful to God that his name had been cleared.
He said: “From the beginning, I told my people that I was not involved in the killing. But the Lord has given me victory as a proof that I’m very innocent.
“I didn’t know I was very important to my people until I saw excitement in the faces of the crowd that came to court. I’ve already forgiven all the hands that put me in prison.
“I thank those that stood by me throughout my travail. I also thank my lawyer and the judge for delivering a fair and sound judgement.”
Prosecution counsel, Jay Jay Ezeuko, said he would determine the next step after receiving a copy of the judgement.
