Court sentences police sergeant Imanilu to death for murder

A Rivers State High court sitting in Port Harcourt has sentenced a dismissed police Sergeant, James Imanilu, to death by hanging for the murder of a commercial driver identified as David Legbara.

Justice Elsie Thompson, while delivering her judgment found Sergeant Imanilu guilty of the murder of Late Legbara who was shot dead at Wimpy junction in Port Harcourt in 2015.

Justice Thompson said evidence before the court showed that the defendant intentionally fired a bullet at the commercial driver, describing the dismissed Sergeant as a serial trigger-happy policeman that should not be allowed to remain in society.

The trial Judge said the court found the former policeman guilty having looked at his extra-judicial and confessional statements as well as the evidence presented by the prosecution team and their witnesses.

However, one of the lawyers on the prosecution team, Kingsley Briggs, said: “We thank God that today’s judgment has been given. Though the wheel of justice grinds slowly, but surely justice will come.

“For the family, of those that lost their loved one and breadwinner it is quite unfortunate but by this judgment today it will serve as a succor to the family.”

Also, a representative of a legal Aide council in Rivers State, who defended the former policeman Sergeant Imanilu in an interview with newsmen, said they will study the judgment to know the next line of action.