Crime
Two Convicted, Sentenced To Death By Hanging In Delta State
Two individuals, Mr. Theophilus Nwachukwu and Mr. Christopher Emeka Okoli, have been found guilty by Delta State High Court 2 in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.
The court has sentenced them to death by hanging after being convicted on five charges, including conspiracy, kidnapping, armed robbery, and illegal possession.
During the trial, Hon. Justice R. Harriman, the presiding judge, declared that the prosecution successfully established the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was brought before the court by Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Adoghe, a couple who claimed to have been victims of the defendants’ criminal activities. They alleged that Mr. Nwachukwu and Mr. Okoli forcefully stole Mrs. Adoghe’s Honda car at gunpoint.
However, the defendants’ luck ran out when they encountered a police checkpoint in Aladja. The police apprehended them, and Mr. Adoghe was discovered confined in the car’s booth at the time of the arrest.
Throughout the trial, the prosecution presented two victims and three police officers as witnesses, while the defendants chose to testify in their own defense without calling any additional witnesses.
After a thorough evaluation of the evidence presented, Justice Harriman delivered her verdict, concluding that the prosecution had successfully proven all the charges against the defendants beyond a reasonable doubt.
In response to the judgment, the prosecution counsel, Theophilus E. Omenuwoma Esq., an Assistant Director in the State Ministry of Justice, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome.
The prosecution counsel noted that “the defendants were charged to court on five-count charges bordering on Count 1, Conspiracy that gave them seven years imprisonment, Count 2, kidnapping, 10 years imprisonment, Count 3/4 armed robbery, to death by hanging while Count 5, illegal possession which earned them 10 years imprisonment, respectively”.
Theophilus further offered advice to the youth in the country, urging them to steer clear of criminal activities and instead focus on meaningful endeavors that can lead to legitimate financial gains.
Additionally, he emphasized the importance of patience and hard work in achieving success also, he advised youth to avoid engaging in any form of criminal behavior that could jeopardize their well-being and potentially shorten their lifespan.
. . . As Operatives Recover Dangerous Weapons, Other Assets
As part of the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to emplace peace and public safety across Nigeria, operatives attached to the Imo State Police Command achieved a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against terrorism.
The feat saw operatives neutralised three deadly terrorist kingpins associated with the Eastern Security Network (ESN), destroyed their camps and recovered weapons.
In a statement on its verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Saturday, the NPF wrote, “On January 24, 2025, operatives from the Command’s tactical Unit following credible intelligence launched a coordinated operation aimed at locating and dislodging the terrorist hideouts.
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“The police operatives located the terrorists’ hideout in a forest within Ihube, Okigwe LGA. Upon approach, the operatives came under heavy fire from suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists but demonstrated exceptional courage and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle.
“The operation resulted in the neutralization of 6 members of the terrorist group, with 3 being ESN kingpins identified as Ifeanyi Anayo a.k.a. Zuma De Rock (28), Chukwuemeka Odionyenfe a.k.a. Nmimi (22), and Kingsley Sunday (21)— all natives of Ogube, Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area, and the recovery of five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), several communication equipment, along with 8 operational motorcycles used by the group.
“Prior investigations had revealed the involvement of the group in several high-profile crimes, including the attack on the Owerri Correctional Center on April 5, 2021, the killing of five policemen in Umunna, Okigwe, on December 12, 2022, and the burning of Arondizuogu Police Station on February 8, 2022.
“The group was also involved in multiple kidnappings, including those of WAEC staff on June 5, 2023, four reverend sisters on August 21, 2022, and four Chinese nationals on December 6, 2023.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has commended the gallant operatives for their exceptional display of bravery and coordination.
“The IGP charges police operatives across commands and formations to sustain the tempo and implement the Force’s action plan aimed at reducing crimes drastically in the first quarter of the year 2025.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains unyielding in its goal towards ensuring national security and public safety.
“Members of the public are hereby urged to remain vigilant and work collaboratively with the Nigeria Police Force to promote peace and ensure a safer environment for all citizens.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has withdrawn the arrest warrant issued against Ezekiel Thankgod, the former manager of renowned gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo.
Biztellers reports that Thankgod is facing allegations of involvement in a $345,000 fraud case.
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The arrest warrant had been issued by Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court on January 16, 2025, following an ex parte application by the EFCC seeking to compel Thankgod’s appearance in court.
During a court session on Friday, EFCC counsel, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, applied to withdraw the warrant, stating that the charges had already been served on Thankgod’s lawyer, Mr. Monday Ubani, SAN, during open court proceedings.
She argued that the warrant was no longer necessary.
Justice Owoeye granted the application and formally vacated the bench warrant.
Oba Otudeko, Chairman of Honeywell Group, appeared in the Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday to challenge charges of N12.3 billion fraud.
Biztellers reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 13-count indictment against Otudeko, along with Olabisi Onasanya, former Managing Director of FirstBank Plc., Soji Akintayo, a former board member of Honeywell, and Anchorage Leisure Ltd.
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During the proceedings, the defendants’ lawyer, Mr. Bode Olanipekun (SAN), raised an objection, stating that the charge had not been properly served to Otudeko or his co-defendants.
Olanipekun emphasized this issue as a reason for protest in court.
The EFCC has accused the individuals and the company of fraudulently obtaining N12.3 billion under false pretenses.
More to follow………..
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