Two private security guards have been charged with the murder of a Gulu University don.
Isaiah Okidi was a lecturer at Gulu University’s Kitgum branch was shot dead on Sunday evening.
Patrick Okeny, 29, a resident of Iriaga Bwona Gweno village, Laroo Division in Gulu Municipality and Simon Odongkara, 21, a resident of Layibi Central village in Pece division, also in Gulu Municipality appeared before Gulu Grade I Magistrate, Paul Owino on Thursday afternoon.
The duo were charged with murder contrary to section 188 and 189 of the Penal Code Act.
Magistrate Owino asked them not to enter any plea since the offence they are charged with is capital in nature and his court has no jurisdiction over it.
According to Prosecution led by Paul Wepondi, on Sunday evening, while on duty at Dfcu Bank Gulu branch, Okeny shot and killed Isaiah Okidi.
The charge was read to the suspects before they were remanded to Gulu Central Government Prisons till September 8, 2016 when their case will come up for mention.
The late Okidi had reportedly packed his numberless motorcycle near the bank as he went to withdraw money from a mobile money agent across the road.
Eye witnesses say Okeny (the security guard) confronted the late Okidi to explain if the parked motorcycle belonged to him. It is unclear as to what could have prompted the security guard to open fire at Okidi, shooting him in the chest.
Okidi died later while being rushed to Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, located only a short distance from where the shooting took place.
Okidi was buried yesterday at Karumu, Kalongo Town Council in Agago district.
The Gulu Municipality Member of Parliament, Lyandro Komakech condemned the killing and tasked security firms to have a background checks while recruiting their personnel.