Three men have been sentenced to death by hanging for the brutal murder of Obi Edward Akaeze Ofulue III, the revered monarch of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom in Delta State.
The judgment was handed down on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, by Justice M.O. Omovie at the Delta State High Court sitting in Ibusa.
Suleiman Musa, Garba Abubakar, and Haruna, who only has one name, were found guilty of kidnapping and killing Obi Ofulue, who was abducted from his home nearly nine years ago.
A fourth defendant, Jemilu Ahmed, received a lighter sentence of five and 14 years imprisonment for his involvement. The sentences will run concurrently, meaning both will be served at the same time.
Obi Ofulue, the monarch of Ubulu-Uku, was kidnapped on January 6, 2016, while traveling along the Ubulu-Uku-Obior Road. His captors, after holding him hostage, cruelly ended his life.
The long-awaited court decision comes after a protracted trial, with the prosecution presenting solid evidence that linked the convicts to the crime.
Justice Omovie stated that the prosecution had proven the case beyond a reasonable doubt. She emphasized the gravity of the crime, stating that all defendants had conspired in the kidnapping and subsequent murder of the respected traditional ruler.
“The court upholds that the prosecution has established beyond reasonable doubt the 10-count charge against the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants,” she said, firmly delivering the verdict.
“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,” Justice Omovie added.
She went on to sentence the remaining three—Musa, Abubakar, and Haruna—to death by hanging.
The court’s decision follows a grueling investigation and trial, where it was revealed that the defendants had conspired to rob and murder not only Obi Ofulue but also a man named Charles Afamefun Ugboh, whom they had abducted on the same day.
Speaking after the ruling, Mrs. J.E. Odogun, who led the prosecution team, expressed her satisfaction with the judgment.
“We are happy with the judgment. It’s been a long journey, but the court has finally ensured that justice has been served,” Mrs. Odogun said. “The evidence against them was overwhelming, and the witnesses testified to their involvement. There is no doubt about their guilt.”
She went on to explain the severity of the defendants’ actions, describing how they had conspired to abduct, rob, and kill Obi Ofulue. The brutal nature of the crime sent shockwaves throughout the community, leaving many in disbelief at the loss of their beloved monarch.
“The prosecution team worked tirelessly, gathering all the facts and ensuring that the defendants faced the full force of the law. Today, the law has prevailed,” Mrs. Odogun concluded.
The death sentence is the harshest penalty in Nigeria’s criminal justice system, and this judgment has brought a sense of closure to the late monarch’s family, his subjects, and the entire Ubulu-Uku Kingdom.
