A High Court in Ibusa, Delta State, condemned three men to death by hanging for the murder of Obi Edward Akaeze Ofulue III, the traditional ruler of the Ubulu-Uku kingdom.
Obi Ofulue was kidnapped by gunmen on the Ubulu-Uku-Obior Road in January 2016 and later killed by his kidnappers.
Chukwuka Noah Akaeze I, his 15-year-old son, was crowned king a month after his father died.
On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, Justice M.O. Omovie sentenced the defendants Suleiman Musa, Garba Abubakar, and Haruna.
Jemilu Ahmed, the fourth defendant, was sentenced to five and fourteen years in prison for his role in the crime. Both phrases should run concurrently.
In his ruling, Justice Omovie stated that the prosecution had established its case against the defendants beyond a reasonable doubt, resulting in their conviction on a 10-count charge.
“The court upholds that the prosecution has established beyond reasonable doubt the 10-count charge against the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants,” she said.
“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.”
Mrs. J.E. Odogun, who led the prosecution team, expressed her satisfaction with the decision following the verdict.
She stated that on January 6, 2016, the defendants conspired to abduct, loot, and finally murder the monarch.
“It was established that the defendants conspired among themselves to rob at gunpoint and abducted one Charles Afamefun Ugboh on the same day,” Odogun said.
“Their involvement was confirmed by witnesses during the trial, leaving no doubt about their culpability.”
