Justice Alex Okuma of Anambra State High Court Ogidi sitting at Onitsha has ruled that two out of the remaining five persons standing trial over the murder of Chief Silas Onyima; the then President General of Umuoji community in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state, have no case to answer over the ugly incident.
Chief Onyima was murdered in his compound at Umuoji on 22nd February 2024 when some hoodlums invaded his residence, leading to the arrest of Okechukwu Igwe, Makuochukwu Igwe, Arinze Kingsley Mmodu, Echezona Austin Okeke, Chibuike Asimone and Jonathan Chukwuemeka Uroko, and their being charged with conspiracy to murder,armed robbery and for Makuochukwu alone, receipt of stolen property by the Anambra State Government.
Speaking after court proceedings, Barrister Uchechukwu Mmaduka, who represented with Barrister Chigozie Onyia (lead defense counsel) described the judgement as a welcome development and justice for the fourth and fifth defendants, even as one of the defendants, Asimone, now freed, while recalling his experiences at police detention facilities, said with the judgement, he now has “original faith in the court”.
Correspondent, Joseph Egbeocha reports that the matter stands adjourned to 26th September 2025 for the first to the third defendants to enter defense.
