The prime suspect in the high-profile murder of Singaporean businessman Osman Hadi has made a dramatic claim in court, asserting he was not in the country at the time of the killing. The accused, a 39-year-old man whose identity is protected under a gag order, has pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder.
The Alibi and the Prosecution's Case
Through his lawyer, the accused presented a startling defence. He claims he was in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, when Osman Hadi was killed. This alibi directly contradicts the prosecution's narrative, which places him at the scene of the crime. The prosecution alleges that the murder was the result of a long-standing and bitter dispute over property.
The incident occurred on July 10, 2023, at a shophouse on Kitchener Road. Osman Hadi, 42, was found with fatal stab wounds. The prosecution's case hinges on the accusation that the prime accused was the one who inflicted these wounds. However, a critical piece of evidence remains missing: the murder weapon has not been recovered, adding a layer of complexity to the trial.
A Motive Rooted in Property and Conflict
The backdrop to this violent act is a protracted conflict over property. Details presented in court suggest that the disagreement between the accused and the victim was intense and personal. The prosecution is building its case around this motive, arguing it was the catalyst for the fatal attack.
The legal proceedings are ongoing, with the court meticulously examining the evidence presented by both sides. The defence's strategy of introducing a foreign alibi significantly raises the stakes, challenging the prosecution to conclusively prove the accused's presence in Singapore on that fateful day.
Ongoing Trial and Unanswered Questions
The case continues to unfold in the Singaporean court system. The absence of the alleged murder weapon poses a significant challenge for investigators and prosecutors. Meanwhile, the defence's firm denial and the claim of being overseas present a clear alternative scenario for the judge to consider.
This case has drawn attention due to its elements of business, property conflict, and violent crime. The outcome of the trial will hinge on the strength of the evidence against the alibi provided by the accused. The next stages of the legal process will determine whether the prosecution can solidify its case beyond the accused's claim of being in Dubai during the murder of Osman Hadi.
