Port Harcourt High Court Sentences Seven to Death for Kidnapping and Murder of Clergyman
The High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has sentenced seven men to death by hanging after convicting them of the kidnapping and murder of Reverend Edwin Isaiah Dokubo-Harry in December 2013.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Boma Diepiri held that the prosecution had successfully proved charges of conspiracy, kidnapping, murder, unlawful possession of firearms, and related offences against the defendants. Those convicted are Precious Jack Opara, Answer Dick, Osaki Fubara, Prince Mikado Philip, Tienabeso George, Seleipri Fubara, and Alaboeriya Fubara.
The court heard that the clergyman was lured into a forest in Abalama, Asari-Toru Local Government Area, where he was abducted, blindfolded, restrained, and eventually killed. His body was later abandoned in a creek.
Justice Diepiri further ordered that the firearm recovered during the investigation, along with other exhibits tendered in evidence, be released to the Nigeria Police Force.
Meanwhile, two other defendants, Emmanuel Israel and Nephew Philemon, were discharged and acquitted of the 25-count charge after the court found the evidence insufficient to link them to the offences.
The verdict, which concluded a protracted trial, triggered emotional reactions in the courtroom, with some of the convicts and their relatives breaking down in tears as the sentences were pronounced.
