An Anambra State High Court sitting in Ihiala Local Government Area of the state on Friday arraigned two brothers for allegedly killing their cousin, Okwuchukwu Okeke.

The two brothers, Chidiebere Okeke 45 and Monday Okeke, 48 were reportedly arraigned before Justice R. O Onunkwo for the murder of their 39-year-old cousin over a protracted land dispute.

News Express learnt that a witness in the case, Ibuodinma Benjinus, had told the court that the two brothers had been in land tussle with their slain cousin for some time.

According to him, the dispute created enmity among them; and on Tuesday, May 11, 2017, their cousin, late Okwuchukwu Okeke ran to his house to inform him that Chidiebere and Monday were after his life; and that he was seeking refuge.

Narrating his story, Ibuodinma told the court that late Okwuchukwu got missing the day preceding the day he came to report to him, adding that he was subsequently found dead within their compound three days later.

His words: “When the deceased decomposing body was found and police invited the Okeke brothers but they took to their heels only to resurface two weeks later when they were arrested by the police.”

The prosecuting counsel, Mr. Ernest Okafor, in his submission asked the court to give him time to liaise with the prime witness in the case to enable him give “guided evidence” on the matter in the next adjourned date.

The presiding Judge, Nwankwo, adjourned the matter to November 12, 13 and 28, 2018, for continuation of hearing, while the suspects were remanded in prison custody.

The counsel for the accused persons, Oseloka Osigwe, while speaking to journalists after the court session, expressed worry at how men of the Nigerian Police would point accusing fingers on individuals “without carrying out thorough investigation”, saying that he would get to the root of the matter to ensure justice.

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