I prepared charms for govs, prominent persons, herbalist confesses.

ONITSHA—THE trial of six persons
charged with kidnapping and murder,
yesterday, at an Ogidi Magistrate Court in
Idemili local government area of
Anambra State, took a dramatic twist as
one of the suspects, a native doctor,
denied preparing charms for criminals
but governors and other prominent
people in the society.
The suspect, Chukwunonso Okerulu,
even boasted that he had bought many
cars and built houses from proceeds
earned working for governors.
He said: “Our people even gave me
chieftaincy title when they found out
after administering native oath on me
that my hands are clean.
“I am a native doctor, a trade which I
have practiced for more than 20 years
and I have many cars and big buildings
all over the places, even governors visit
my shrine,” the suspect told the court.
Pandemonium had earlier trailed trial of
the six suspects as villagers stormed the
court premises to hear the case, causing
anxiety and stampede.
As early as 8.30 am, residents of the
community had thronged the court to
hear the matter in connection with the
murder of two security guards and
kidnapping of one, Dr. Reuben Okwosa
in December last year.
The atmosphere became tensed when
the accused persons were called to the
dock by the court clerk and the 8-count
charge read to them.
The six persons standing trial over
murder of two security guards attached
to KP Pharmaceutical at Ogidi, Idemili
North local government area, as well as
kidnap of Dr. Reuben Okwosa, had
allegedly collected N5.5 million ransom.
Those arraigned were Emmanuel Caesar
Nwabunne ‘m’ 32, Edward Nwoye ‘m’ 50,
Ifeanyi Nwafor, ‘M’ 48 years,
Chukwunonso Okerulu, ‘m’ 37 Anthony
Aghaonu, ‘m’ 41 and Vincent Aghanou,
‘m’ 25 years who were being accused of
masterminding the murder and kidnap
of the medical doctor.
The accused persons were also standing
trial for murder of one Godwin Mendu
who was a security guard at KP
Pharmaceuticals, when they allegedly
struck at an end of year party being
organised for the chairman of the
company, Dr. Reuben Okwosa, who was
kidnapped in the process.