Atubiga family denies GH¢500,000 debt claim, urges suspect to surrender after double shooting

The Atubiga family has denied claims that George Atubiga owed Christopher, the suspect in the fatal shooting of George and Irene Atubiga, GH¢500,000, describing the reports as false.

In a press statement shared by brother of victim Irene, Stephen Atubiga who doubles as leader of the National Liberation Congress, the family said George and Christopher were business partners operating a money-lending venture, with George responsible for the business’s operations, including the disbursement and recovery of loans.

The family explained that disagreements had arisen between the partners over difficulties recovering money lent to some clients, including individuals related to them.

According to the statement, a family representative had been mediating the dispute for about seven months and had even agreed to repay money owed by a relative to Christopher.

The family said the meeting during which George and Irene were shot was held without the knowledge of the representative, despite earlier instructions that any discussions involving the parties should be channelled through him.

It further alleged that Christopher and his wife, Beatrice, picked up George from his residence on the morning of the incident and drove him to Irene’s house, where the shooting occurred.

The statement alleged that Christopher had concealed a firearm under his clothing before the meeting. The family described the incident as premeditated, although the allegation has not been independently established.

The family also appealed to Christopher to surrender to the police, offering to assist in safely leading officers to his location.

“I am pleading with you Christopher to be a man and turn yourself in to the police, in his own interest, before the police get him from his hideout,” the representative said.

The family urged the media and the public to verify information before publishing accounts of the incident, expressing appreciation to those who have supported them during the difficult period.