Pune: Additional Sessions Judge S D Kulkarni denied bail on Tuesday to Nnsemeka Maduabuchi Onyia, a 48-year-old Nigerian national charged with the murder of a fellow compatriot. The incident occurred during a late-night altercation in Pisoli in January. The judge cited substantial evidence collected by the prosecution linking Onyia to the crime, as well as concerns that he might flee if granted bail.
Onyia was arrested on Jan 12 in connection with an FIR registered at Kalepadal police station under sections 103(1) and 3(5) of the BNS, Section 4(25) of the Arms Act and Sections 37(1) and 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act. The case relates to the death of Yemeka Kristian, 40, who was allegedly assaulted after a dispute during a dinner gathering at a Nigerian woman’s flat in Pisoli in the early hours of Jan 12.
Police said the dispute was linked to a romantic relationship involving the woman. The chargesheet has been filed, though no prosecution witness had been examined when the bail application was decided. Kristian was taken to Ruby Hall Clinic after the assault but died while undergoing treatment. Police had registered a murder case against three Nigerian nationals and arrested Onyia and another accused while the third accused is still at large. The judge noted that the FIR named Onyia as an aggressor and that eyewitnesses allegedly stated that he took a sharp weapon from the kitchen, followed Kristian and assaulted him on vital parts of the body. The court also referred to medical papers showing multiple chop wounds and to the informant’s statement regarding an alleged statement made by Kristian before his death. The judge held that considering the gravity of the offence, the material against Onyia and the possibility of his fleeing to Nigeria, he was not entitled to bail.