The Delta State High Court sitting in Ibusa has sentenced three persons to death for killing the traditional ruler of Ubulu-Uku kingdom, Obi Edward Akaeze Ofulue 111, nine years after his death.
The three defendants, Suleiman Musa 2nd, Garba Abubakar 3rd, and Haruna 4th, were sentenced to death by hanging while the 1st defendant, Jemilu Ahmed, was jailed for five years and 14 years respectively.
Obi Ofulue was in January 2016 murdered after he was kidnapped by gunmen along the Ubulu-Uku-Obior Road.
In her judgement, the presiding judge, Justice M. O Omovie, held that the prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt the 10 counts against the defendants.
“Having listened to the prosecution case with evidence, the court upholds that the prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt the 10 counts against the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants.
“The 1st defendant is hereby sentenced to five years and 14 years without an option of fine in respect of the two counts against him. Both terms would run concurrently.
“The 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants are hereby sentenced, among other terms, to death by hanging on the neck,” the judge declared.
Speaking after the judgment on Tuesday in Asaba, Mrs. J.E Odogun, who led other prosecutors through the defence and adoption of final written address, applauded the judgment.
She said, “On January 6, 2016, the defendants conspired among one another to kidnap, rob and consequently murdered one Obi Edward Akaeze Ofulue 111, who was the king of Ubulu-Uku.
“It was established that the defendants conspired among one another, robbed at gunpoint and kidnapped one Charles Afamefun Ugboh on January 6, 2016.”
Odogun stated that the witnesses confirmed the involvement of the defendants.
