By Victor Ofure Osehobo, Benin
The High Court in Benin has discharged one of the 6 suspects standing trial in the rape and murder of Vera Uwaila Omozuwa, a 100-level student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN).
The trial judge Justice Eve Ikponmwonba discharged the suspect, Mrs Mary Ade on the advice of the state prosecutor who said that no prima facie case has been preferred against her.
22-year-old Vera who goes to read every day at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Edo Province 10, Ikpoba Hill, Benin, was attacked with a fire extinguisher, raped and killed on May 27.
Her murder drew worldwide ire as the social media trended a hashtag in her memory #JusticeforUwaila.
Mrs Ade was arraigned along with 5 others namely Nelson Ogbebor, Akato Valentine, Mrs Tina Samuel, Nosa Osabohien and Collins Ulegbe on several charges related to the rape of Miss Omozuwa.
The charges include rape, murder, armed robbery, and receiving stolen items and she was remanded at Auchi Medium Correctional Centre from where she was brought to court and discharged on Tuesday.
The Police while investigating the crime traced the phone of the late Miss Omozuwa to one of the suspects, Nosa Osabohien.
Nosa who claimed to be a phone repairer said he bought the phone from the prime suspect, Collins Uyegbulen. He led the police to arrest Collins who confessed to have directly participated in the murder.
