23rd February, 2012
The Police in Lafia have arraigned a mother, Anyah Akunshonye and five others at a Nasarawa High Court over the alleged killing of her first son, Joseph Akunshonye.
The prosecution counsel, Edeh Yakubu, told the court that the six suspects, including the mother, were arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, culpable homicide and abetting murder.
He said the offences were punishable under sections 85, 86 and 87 of the Penal Code.
Yakubu said the suspects had on September 2, 2009 in Obi Local Government Area of the state, conspired and shot dead Joseph Akunshonye with an AK 47 rifle over a lingering land dispute.
However, when the charges were read to the accused, they all pleaded not guilty.
Counsel to the accused, Mr. Stephen Magondo, while arguing an application, urged the court to grant them bail in the interest of justice, pending when the prosecution would be ready with its witnesses.
“The accused persons have been in custody for more than three years,” he stated.
The judge, Justice John Viko, adjourned further hearing till March 1 for ruling on the bail application.