By LBS Editorial
LIRA
Six people including three Uganda people’s defense forces (UPDF) soldiers have been remanded to Lira government prison over the murder of Obote’s ex-soldier, Remijo Okello.
On the 23rd April 2021 at Wigweng village in Iceme sub-county, Oyam district, Remijo Okello 57 was shot dead by UPDF officers who reportedly went to recover a rifle from him.
However, investigations caused the arrest of Private Ogete Emmanuel, Lt. Col. Nelson Ayebare, Corporal Basajabalaba Fred, Oruk Morris, Okello Jimmy, and Ogwang Boniface, and others still at large.
They were detained at the Special Investigation Unit in Kireka, Kampala.
The suspects today appeared before the grade one magistrate of Lira Igga Adiru where five charges against each of them were read. They were not allowed to take pleas.
The suspects appear in court
Under count one, it is alleged that the suspects while at Wigweng village in Iceme sub county with malice afore sough caused the murder of Remijo Okello contrary to section 188 and 189 of the penal code Act.
Lt. Col. Nelson Ayebare was also charged with obstruction contrary to section 234 of the penal code Act. It is alleged that Ayebare, the former Lira Garrison commander willfully obstructed the regional crime investigation officer for North Kyoga regional detective AIP Yiga Gonzag from arresting suspects involved in the murder.
The suspects were also charged with conspiracy to commit a felony of murder contrary to sections 188 and 189 of the penal code Act.
Lt. Col. Nelson Ayebare and Corporal Basajabalaba Fred were charged for neglect of duty. Under this charge, the prosecution alleges that neglected to perform their duty to conduct an operation to arrest and recover a rifle from the late Remijo Okello.
The state prosecutor prayed to the court to remand the accused as investigations are still ongoing.
The defense counsel representing Lt. Col. Nelson Ayebare Nasuna Sharon requests for full disclosure was declined by the magistrate Igga Adiru in a ruling he delivered 30 minutes after he adjourned the matter.
Upon return of the session, Adiru remanded the accused until 26th July 2021 when they will reappear for mention.
He however said that the accused are free to apply for bail in the high court.
