Gunman kills three court witnesses in deadly ambush

DDM News

A tragic case of witness silencing unfolded in Badagry, Lagos State, on April 1, 2025.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that three elderly individuals were shot dead by a suspect, Charles Atideka, in Yovoyan community, near Gberefu Beach.

The victims were identified as Muji Onilude, 75; Richard Atideka, 70; and Charity Atideka, 59.

They were reported to be key witnesses scheduled to testify against Charles Atideka in an ongoing court case.

According to reports, the attack occurred around 8:30 a.m., sending shockwaves through the peaceful coastal community.

Residents said the suspect arrived at the scene with an accomplice, later identified as Bright Sonu, aged 33.

Without warning, Charles reportedly opened fire on the victims, leaving all three with critical gunshot wounds.

Locals immediately alerted security operatives as panic spread throughout the neighborhood.

The victims were quickly transported to the Badagry General Hospital for urgent medical attention.

Doctors at the hospital confirmed that all three victims were dead upon arrival.

Their corpses have since been deposited in the hospital’s morgue for proper autopsy and documentation.

The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the incident in an official statement to the press.

Police spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, assured the public that a manhunt had been launched to apprehend the fleeing suspect.

The incident has sparked widespread concern over the safety of witnesses in criminal trials across Nigeria.

Witness intimidation and attacks remain a growing concern within Nigeria’s justice system.

Many believe that the country lacks an effective and secure witness protection framework.

In several cases, witnesses are reluctant to testify due to fear for their lives and those of their families.

This tragic event highlights the severe consequences of that systemic gap in witness security.

The arrest of the accomplice, Bright Sonu, may provide crucial information in the ongoing investigation.

He is currently in police custody and is being interrogated by investigators.

Surprisingly, just a day after the attack, new developments shifted the course of the investigation.

On April 2, 2025, the prime suspect, Charles Atideka, was rushed to an undisclosed hospital in critical condition.

Hospital sources later confirmed that he died shortly after admission.

The circumstances leading to his sudden hospitalization and death remain unclear at this time.

Police have yet to release any official cause of death or medical findings.

Speculation suggests that he might have sustained injuries while evading arrest or possibly been poisoned.

The case has now been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Yaba.

Investigators are working to determine if other individuals were involved in planning the attack.

Authorities are also trying to understand whether the killings were part of a wider conspiracy.

The attack has ignited public debate around judicial reforms and safety protocols for witnesses.

Human rights groups are demanding an immediate overhaul of the current system for protecting vulnerable witnesses.

Legal experts say the lack of safeguards makes it difficult to successfully prosecute high-profile criminal cases.

In the past, witnesses have gone missing or refused to appear in court due to threats.

Some cases have even collapsed entirely because of absent or intimidated witnesses.

This incident is not just a crime but also a threat to the rule of law.

Communities like Yovoyan now fear retaliation and continued insecurity following such violent acts.

Many locals are urging authorities to provide increased security and support to affected families.

Calls are growing for the government to implement a national witness protection law without delay.

As the investigation unfolds, Nigerians await justice for the slain victims and full accountability from the system.

The death of the main suspect may complicate the path to truth and legal closure.

Nonetheless, police have promised transparency and a thorough investigation into all aspects of the case.

The country watches closely, hoping that justice will prevail despite this horrifying tragedy.

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