Delta court sentences three to death for murder of Ubulu-Uku monarch

A High Court sitting in Ibusa, Delta State, on Tuesday sentenced three persons to death for killing the traditional ruler of Ubulu-Uku kingdom, the late Obi Edward Akaeze Ofulue III, nine years after his death.

The three defendants—Suleiman Musa (2nd), Garba Abubakar (3rd), and Haruna (4th)—were sentenced to death by hanging, while the 1st defendant, Jemilu Ahmed, was jailed for five years and 14 years, respectively.

In her judgment, the presiding judge, Justice M. O. Omovie, said the prosecution was able to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt on the 10-count charge against them.

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The 1st defendant was sentenced to five years and 14 years without the option of a fine in respect of the two-count charge against him. Both terms will run concurrently.

The judge declared that the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants were sentenced, among other terms, to death by hanging.

Speaking after the judgment, Mrs. J.E. Odogun, who led the prosecution, applauded the judgment over the adoption of the final written address.

She said, “On January 6, 2016, the defendants conspired among one another to kidnap, rob, and consequently murder one Obi Edward Akaeze Ofulue III, who was the king of Ubulu-Uku.

“It was established that the defendants conspired among one another, robbed at gunpoint, and kidnapped one Charles Afamefun Ugboh on the 6th day of January, 2016.”