The Delta State High Court in Ibusa has handed down a death sentence to three men for the murder of Obi Edward Akaeze Ofulue III, the traditional ruler of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom, who was killed nine years ago.
Justice M.O. Omovie delivered the judgment on Tuesday, sentencing Suleiman Musa, Garba Abubakar, and Haruna (surname not disclosed) to death by hanging. A fourth individual, Jemilu Ahmed, received a concurrent sentence of five and 14 years imprisonment for his role in the crime.
Obi Ofulue was kidnapped by armed men in January 2016 along the Ubulu-Uku-Obior Road and later killed by his abductors.
Justice Omovie ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, resulting in the conviction of the defendants on a 10-count charge.
She stated, “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.”
Following the judgment, Mrs. J.E. Odogun, who led the prosecution team, expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
She explained that the defendants had conspired to kidnap, rob, and murder the monarch on January 6, 2016.
“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.”
