A court in Pune, India, has rejected the bail application of a 48-year-old Nigerian national accused of killing a compatriot during an altercation in the city earlier this year.
Additional Sessions Judge S D Kulkarni dismissed the application by Nnsemeka Maduabuchi Onyia, saying investigators had gathered sufficient material linking him to the alleged offence and expressing concern that he could flee India if released.
Onyia was arrested on January 12 following the death of 40-year-old Yemeka Kristian, who was allegedly assaulted during a dispute at a Nigerian woman’s residence in Pisoli, Pune.
According to the prosecution’s account, the dispute occurred during a gathering and was connected to a romantic relationship involving the woman. Kristian was taken to Ruby Hall Clinic for treatment after the alleged assault but later died.
Police subsequently registered a murder case against three Nigerian nationals. Onyia and another suspect were arrested, while a third accused remained at large, according to the prosecution.
The court noted that Onyia was named in the initial police complaint as one of the alleged aggressors.
Investigators also presented statements from witnesses who allegedly told police that Onyia took a sharp weapon from the kitchen, followed Kristian and attacked him. Medical records presented to the court indicated that the victim suffered multiple chop wounds.
The court also considered information concerning an alleged statement made by Kristian before his death.
Police filed a chargesheet in the case, although no prosecution witness had testified when the bail application was considered. Onyia was charged under provisions of India’s Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Arms Act and the Maharashtra Police Act.
In rejecting the application, the judge considered the seriousness of the alleged offence, the material presented by investigators and the possibility that Onyia could leave India and return to Nigeria.
The ruling means Onyia will remain in custody as the criminal proceedings continue.
The case has drawn attention to the legal challenges facing foreign nationals involved in serious criminal proceedings abroad, particularly where courts must consider both the evidence against an accused person and the possibility of flight.
The bail decision does not amount to a final determination of Onyia’s guilt. The allegations against him remain subject to the ongoing judicial process.
Leave a comment