An orphan, Nnamdi Nwite Ugo, has allegedly been fatally shot by a legal practitioner in Abakaliki, Sunday Ununu.
According to sources who spoke with Tribune Online, the incident occurred during celebrations following the Izzi Unuphu Power of Attorney Community election in the Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
It is reported that a supporter of Ununu won a significant position in the election, prompting the group to hold a celebratory gathering. During the event, Ununu allegedly fired his gun in a celebratory manner.
The Izzi Unuphu Power of Attorney group is responsible for managing local lands and has been actively reclaiming lands it believes were improperly sold or acquired by non-indigenes.
A new election was conducted recently to appoint new leaders for the group. During the post-election festivities, Ununu, who serves as the group’s legal counsel, allegedly fired his gun multiple times. Tragically, a bullet hit Ugo in the nose, exited through his mouth, and resulted in his death.
The deceased, an orphan without close family ties, has reportedly been largely overlooked in the aftermath of the incident. Reports suggest that both the lawyer’s and the deceased’s families are negotiating a settlement to cover up the incident.
A local resident, who requested anonymity, claimed that money has been promised to the deceased’s distant relatives for his burial and to keep the matter quiet.
The state police command has taken Ununu into custody in connection with the shooting. Police spokesperson DSP Joshua Ukandu confirmed the arrest, saying, “I am aware of the situation and he is currently in our custody. However, I am not familiar with all the details of the case.”