A Pune court in India has rejected the bail application of a 48-year-old Nigerian national accused of killing a compatriot during an altercation in the city in January.

Additional Sessions Judge S D Kulkarni dismissed Nnsemeka Maduabuchi Onyia’s bail application on Tuesday, saying investigators had gathered sufficient material linking him to the alleged offence.

The court also cited concerns that Onyia could flee the country if released on bail.

Onyia was arrested on January 12 after a case was registered at Kalepadal police station under sections 103(1) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Section 4(25) of the Arms Act and Sections 37(1) and 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act.

Police have since filed a chargesheet in the case, although no prosecution witness had testified when the bail application was considered.

The case followed the death of 40-year-old Yemeka Kristian, who police said was assaulted during a dispute at a Nigerian woman’s flat in Pisoli in the early hours of January 12.

According to the police account, the dispute was linked to a romantic relationship involving the woman.

Kristian was taken to Ruby Hall Clinic for treatment after the alleged assault but later died while receiving medical care.

Police subsequently registered a murder case against three Nigerian nationals. Onyia and another suspect were arrested, while the third accused remained at large, according to the prosecution.

In rejecting the bail application, the judge noted that Onyia was named in the first information report as one of the alleged aggressors.

The court also referred to statements from witnesses who allegedly told investigators that Onyia took a sharp weapon from the kitchen, followed Kristian and attacked him on vital parts of his body.

The judge further considered medical records which indicated that Kristian had suffered multiple chop wounds.

The court also referred to the informant’s statement concerning an alleged statement made by Kristian before his death.

Considering the seriousness of the alleged offence, the material presented against Onyia and the possibility that he could flee to Nigeria, the court ruled that he should not be released on bail.