A 32-year-old widow, Mrs Christiana Onyebuchi Apugo from Umuawa Alaocha community of Umuahia North LGA of Abia State has alleged that her late husband’s brother, one Victor Orisara Apugo who is being detained in the custody of Nigerian Correctional Facility is threatening to deal with her if he is released from prison.
Mrs Apugo who made the allegation in an appeal she made to the Abia State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechuckwu Uwanna, said Mr Victor Apugo and some other suspects who are standing trial for their alleged involvement in her husband’s murder on November 7, 2022, are sending messages to her, bragging that they will deal with her if they are freed on April 17, 2024 when their trial comes up.
According to the widow, her husband, Mr Onyebuchi Orisara Apugo was on Monday, November 7, 2022, tied to a tree and beaten to death by a group of boys who were allegedly invited by her late husband’s brother, Mr Victor Orisara Apugo after accusing the victim of stealing a plantain.
She stated that her husband was murdered in her presence at about 2am when she was still pregnant, claiming that the invaders also threatened to deal with her if she tried to alert the villagers.
The suspects, according to her, were arrested by the Afugiri Police station and later rearrested by the Zone 9 Police Command and then charged to Court.
The widow demanded Justice for her slain husband and also appealed to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Abia State, Mr Ikechuckwu Uwanna to investigate the alleged threat
She also claimed that rumours are strong that the Attorney General of Abia, had approved that the case marked No.U/455/C be discharged on April 17, adding that she fled to her hometown of Okwelle, Imo State with her baby boy because of hunger and the threat to their lives.
The traditional Prime Minister of Umuawa Alaocha, Ikedinachi Moses confirmed to Journalists that the matter was reported to the Palace of HRH, Eze Godswill Asomugha.
But responding to the allegations, the Abia State Attorney General, Ikechuckwu Uwanna denied giving any instruction that the matter be discharged by the 17th of April.
He stated that Governor Alex Otti is against the intimidation of witnesses and therefore, urged the widow to write a petition stating that she is under threat and unable to stay in her home because she is pursuing justice.
“His Excellency has mandated us to ensure we give her all the protection that the state can afford her.
“This is because it is a criminal matter that is very sensitive and important to us. We are committed to ensuring that justice is done in each and every criminal case” Uwanna said.
He noted that there would be no peace and development in the society without justice.
