Prosecution witness narrates how father was allegedly killed by police sergeant

A prosecution witness, Afeez Bello, on Monday narrated how his
father was killed by stray bullet, allegedly fired by a policeman,
Emmanuel Uyanweke, Uyanweke, a sergeant, is standing trial for
killing a pedestrian with an AK47 rifle.

The policeman was arraigned by the Lagos State Government on
Feb. 14 last year before an Igbosere High Court in Lagos on a
charge of manslaughter.

On July 3, Bello, the first prosecution witness was led in
evidence by the Prosecuting Counsel, Mr Babatunde Sumonu.

Bello told the court that his father was on his way to see a
friend when a stray bullet fired by Uyanweke killed him, noting
that his father was shot opposite Southbound Hotel at Okokomiko in
Ojo, near Lagos.

He said there was a fight at the hotel at the time the Uyanweke
fired the shot which hit his father, who was passing by the
hotel.

The witness said that his father died instantly, adding that his
sister called him on phone and informed him about the incident.

“When I got there, I found my father in a pool of blood,” Bello
narrated.

At the resumed hearing, Bello who was cross-examined by the
Defence Counsel, Mrs Pamela Okoro-Igwe, said he was not present
when the police officer killed his father.

“But I was informed by my father’s sister, Aminat Bello,” he
said.

The witness said that his father was taken to a hospital at
Okokomiko, where he was confirmed dead.

After listening to the evidence of the witness, Justice Adedayo
Akintoye, adjourned the case until Oct. 16 for continuation of
trial.

The prosecution had said that the defendant committed the
offence on Aug.18, 2016 at 8.00 p.m. along White Street in
Okokomiko.

The Lagos State Government had said that the defendant
unlawfully killed one Adams Bello by shooting him in the chest with
an AK47 rifle with registration No. 5070.

The offence contravened Section 227 of the Criminal Law of Lagos
State, 2011.

Uyanweke, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. (NAN)

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