Delta, Nigeria – The Delta State High Court 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 (surname unknown)—were found guilty of a 10-count charge, including conspiracy, armed robbery, and murder. Justice M.O. Omovie delivered the judgment on Tuesday, stating that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
A fourth defendant, Jemilu Ahmed, was sentenced to five and 14 years imprisonment on two charges related to the crime, with the sentences to run concurrently.
The late monarch was abducted on January 6, 2016, along the Ubulu-Uku-Obior Road and later killed by his captors. During the trial, the prosecution, led by Mrs. J.E. Odogun, established that the defendants conspired to kidnap, rob, and murder the monarch.
“The court upholds that the prosecution has established beyond reasonable doubt the 10-count charge against the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants,” Justice Omovie said.
The judge sentenced the first defendant, Jemilu Ahmed, to concurrent prison terms for his involvement. The other three defendants were sentenced to death by hanging.
Reacting to the verdict, Mrs. Odogun expressed satisfaction with the ruling, noting that witnesses’ testimonies confirmed the defendants’ roles in the crime. “The evidence was clear that the defendants conspired to rob and abduct the late monarch and also kidnapped another victim, Charles Afamefun Ugboh, on the same day,” she said.
The judgment brings closure to the case, which has lingered since the monarch’s tragic death in 2016.
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