Court Acquits 12 Defendants in Inspector Erekere Murder Case, Awards ₦1m Compensation Each
A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has discharged and acquitted twelve defendants standing trial for the alleged murder of Police Inspector Christiana Erekere, who was killed on 25 April 2024 during a stop‑and‑search operation at Taaba Community, Khana Local Government Area.
The defendants had been arraigned on a 13‑count charge bordering on conspiracy and murder. The prosecution alleged that while travelling from Delta State to Akwa Ibom State for a wedding, the defendants were involved in the altercation that led to Inspector Erekere’s death after police officers on duty questioned the validity of their vehicle documents.
The accused persons included: Joy Uheraka, Shirley Wealth, Napoleon Uheraka, Ejiro Ejogbamu, Moses Agege, Precious Iyota, Kikelomo Odusanyo, Wealth Ojoh, Efeoghene Uheraka, Ighofose Oke, Blessing Ovie, and Emeka Joshua.
At the resumed hearing, one of the defendants informed the court that she had not secured legal representation. Nevertheless, in a considered judgment, Justice Augusta Chukwu held that the prosecution failed to prove the charge of murder beyond reasonable doubt, as the evidence adduced did not establish any direct nexus between the defendants and the death of the deceased officer.
Consequently, the court discharged and acquitted all twelve defendants and further awarded ₦1 million each as compensation for their unlawful arrest and prolonged detention.
The judgment was met with visible relief and jubilation from the families of the defendants, some of whom described the outcome as “justice for the weak.”
Reacting to the decision, prosecution counsel, Dickson Celestine, noted that the police authorities would review the judgment with a view to determining the appropriate next steps.
