The Makindye Magistrate’s court has further remanded frustrated City socialite Charles Olimu alias Sipapa and his ‘Nakawere’ wife Shamilah Nakiyimba to Luzira Prison until December 12, 2022.
The couple is facing charges of aggravated robbery for stealing Shs 1.6 billion from a South Sudanese national Jacob Arok and $70,000 cash, 4 iPhones, 3 laptops, gold jewelry, an iPhone charger and a mac pro charger from other members of the same family in Kawuku, Bunga, in Makindye Division.
Makindye Grade one Magistrate Esther Adiikini adjourned the matter after the State asked court for more time to conclude investigations into the matter. This was after State prosecutor Hope Lukundo said they are still carrying out investigations and thus asked for more time to gather more evidence.
However, Sipapa’s lawyers led by Godfrey Turyamusiima told journalists outside court that despite the state having up to two months to conclude investigations, the case has dragged on. He says previously the State asked for 30 days to compile evidence but are yet to conclude.
He also alleges the accusations meted on his clients are trumped-up charges on grounds that the complainant and his family members have neglected the case to the State. Trumped-up charges are untrue, and made up in order to punish someone unfairly.
Turyamusiima says non of the allegedly aggrieved members have made an appearance in court or shown interest in the case from day one.
“If it is true they stole, the state would have concluded evidence by now. We don’t think the State will gather enough evidence to commit this case to higher court. Since the case started, no complainant has come to court, based on the allegation of billions and gold being stolen at least one member of the family should have turned up in court. There is something fishy. We have cameras all over, CCTV footage should have been released showing what happened that night,” he says.
He expressed hope that come December 12, 2022, his clients will be out of jail on bail, because they have filed applications at a higher court.
He says the bail process has delayed due to Ebola outbreak that closed prisons to guests and this has also affected Sipapa’s wife from getting her toddler into prison.
Compiled by Rashidah Nakaayi
