By Shivan Tuhairirwe,
COURT REPORTS
Masindi magistrate court has sent to remand three suspects implicated in the murder of former acting Masindi District Health Officer (DHO), Dr. Jino Abiriga.
The suspects namely Betty Cherotich, Martin Kipsang, and Joshua Namureng, have been remanded to Hoima Government Prison until January 30, 2024 on charges of murder.
Dr. Abiriga was brutally killed at his residence in Kijura North, Central Division, Masindi in a seemingly premeditated act. Police investigations indicate that the deceased wife, Betty Cherotic orchestrated the murder due to marital discord, jealousy, and suspicions of infidelity.
A report by Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID) Police teams and the Flying Squad uncovered a multi-stage plot rooted in Cherotic’s knowledge of her husband’s relationship with another woman named Susan Atuhura in Masindi.She reportedly contracted two people who allegedly sided in the killing.
Yesterday, court presided over by Masindi Chief Magistrate Kosia Kasibayo sent the trio to remand after he clarified that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case at this stage, emphasizing that the matter was still under investigation.
This was after Florence Akello, assistant director at the regional Director of Public Prosecution Office for the mid-western region requested for a remand to allow DPP to complete investigation.
“We request the accused to be remanded as we finalize with the investigations,” Akello said
The trio, however, objected to being remanded in Masindi, expressing concerns about their safety in the community. However, their request was dismissed by the chief magistrate citing insufficient grounds for a transfer to their home district.
He then remanded the suspects to Hoima government prison for their safety. The trio will return to court on January 30 for mention of their charges.
