Man, Concubine, Detained Over Alleged Murder

A 37 year old man from Akwa-Ibom State, Ime James and his concubine, Patience Akujobi  Nwuju from Okpolor Obiohia community, Eberi in Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State, have been remanded in prison custody for their alleged role in the killing of her mate, late Mrs Celine Akujobi Nwuju.

The accused persons were arraigned on a two count charge bordering on conspiracy and murder before a Port Harcourt Senior Magistrate Court presided over by D. N. Wanjoku.

The Tide learnt that the first accused person, Patience Akujobi Nwuju was said to have been married to the same man with the deceased, Stephen Akujobi Nwuju (late) before the alleged murder of the victim in a bush on 14th May, 2012.

The Tide further learnt that since the death of their husband, both the first accused person and deceased had  been logger heads over who to control the family’s inheritance and this may not be unconnected to the unfortunate death of the victim.

The prosecuting police officer, Sergeant Ikosi Omanoye alleged that the accused persons, Patience Akujobi,  Ime James and others now at large on the 14th of May, 2012 at Okpolor Obiohia Community in Eberi Omuma Local government Area of  Rivers State within the jurisdiction of Port Harcourt Magisterial District did conspire among themselves to commit felony, to  wit, murder.

The prosecution further alleged that the accused persons and others now at large on the same date and place did unlawfully murder one Celine Akujobi Nwuju by strangulating her to death, thereby committed an offence punishable under sections 324 and 319 of the Criminal Code Cap 37 vol.II Laws of Rivers State 1999.

He, therefore, urged the court not to grant the accused persons bail on the ground that the court lacks the jurisdiction to grant them bail.

Ruling on the matter, the presiding Senior Magistrate, D.N. Wanjoku declined jurisdiction on the matter adding that the court lacked the jurisdiction to grant them bail considering the enormity of the offence before the court and ordered that the case file be sent to the office of DPP through the registrar for legal advice.

The presiding Senior Magistrate while remanding the accused persons in prison custody told them that they were at liberty to approach the High Court for their bail. The case was later adjourned to July 24, 2012.