Metro
3 Sentenced To Death For Kidnap, Murder Of Former Rivers Ministry Of Health Director
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A Port Harcourt High Court has sentenced 3 people to death by hanging in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Charles Nwogu, former Director of Finance in the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
- In his ruling, the presiding Judge, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, stated that the trio kidnapped and murdered Charles Nwogu in Rumuokoro, Obio/Akoor Local Government Area of Rivers State, in 2012.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that a Port Harcourt High Court has sentenced three people to death by hanging in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Charles Nwogu, former Director of Finance in the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
Andy Clement, Goddfrey Hanson, and Chima Nwokoma were charged with nine counts of conspiracy and murder. After 11 years of litigation, they were sentenced.
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Two other suspects, Obinna Okereofo and Ogechi Innocent, were released and acquitted.
In his ruling, the presiding Judge, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, stated that the trio kidnapped and murdered Charles Nwogu in Rumuokoro, Obio/Akoor Local Government Area of Rivers State, in 2012.
The trial judge, while sentencing them after they were found guilty in counts 1, 2 of conspiracy and counts 3, 4, 6, and 7, said his hands were tight and must do what the law demanded in line with Sections 401 and 402 of the State Administration Justice Law.
According to him, the convicts contravened Section 1(1) of the state Anti-kidnapping Law as well as Section 319 of the Criminal Code, adding that the various laws stipulated hanging by death upon conviction.
The trial judge ruled that the prosecution failed to provide substantial evidences in the information filed against the two discharged defendants on conspiracy and kidnapping charges.
He said the prosecution relied on mere suspicion and not backed up with credible evidence that could prosecute them.
Justice Enebeli further struck out charges brought against the 4th defendants, late Rowland Azuka, who reportedly died at the Correctional Centre during the trial of the matter.
C.N Nathaniel, lawyer to one of the convicts, Chima Nwokoma, told newsmen that he would appeal the judgement.
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