The Delta State High Court sitting in Ibusa has sentenced three men to death by hanging for the murder of Obi Edward Akaeze Ofulue III, the traditional ruler of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom, who was killed nine years ago.
The convicts—Suleiman Musa, Garba Abubakar, and Haruna (no surname provided)—were sentenced on Tuesday by Justice M.O. Omovie.
A fourth defendant, Jemilu Ahmed, was sentenced to five and 14 years imprisonment for his involvement in the crime. Both sentences are to run concurrently.
Obi Ofulue was abducted by gunmen along the Ubulu-Uku-Obior Road in January 2016 and was later killed by his captors.
Delivering judgment, Justice Omovie declared that the prosecution had proven its case against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt, leading to their conviction on a 10-count charge.
She said, “The court upholds that the prosecution has established beyond reasonable doubt the 10-count charge against the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants.
“The 1st defendant is hereby sentenced to five and 14 years imprisonment on the two charges against him, to run concurrently without an option of fine.
“The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants are sentenced to death by hanging on the neck.”
Speaking after the judgment, Mrs. J.E. Odogun, who led the prosecution team, expressed satisfaction with the ruling.
She explained that the defendants conspired to kidnap, rob, and eventually murder the monarch on January 6, 2016.
Odogun said, “It was established that the defendants conspired among themselves to rob at gunpoint and abducted one Charles Afamefun Ugboh on the same day.
“Their involvement was confirmed by witnesses during the trial, leaving no doubt about their culpability.”
