A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, has convicted and sentenced three men to 14 years imprisonment without option of fine for the kidnap of an 83-year-old woman identified as Theresa Nwosu.

The men identified as Kelechi Nnaji, Bright Anele, Onyebuchi Nweke and Confidence Ozuowu were arrested, arraigned on three-count charge of kidnapping, conspiracy and possession of illegal firearms, an incident, which happened on September 22, 2015 at Obite village in Okehi community in Etche Local Council of Rivers State.

In his judgment, trial Judge, Justice Boma Diepiri, found Kelechi Nnaji, Bright Anele and Onyebuchi Nweke, who are the first, second and third defendants guilty of kidnap and conspiracy, but discharged and acquitted the fourth defendant, Confidence Ozuowu.

Justice Diepiri noted that the prosecution was able to prove the case of kidnap and conspiracy against the convicts beyond a reasonable doubt following the confessional statement of the convicts, as well as evidence and testimonies of the prosecution witnesses, including the victim.

Speaking to newsmen outside the courtroom, Chioma Chukwu and Stanley Amadi-Igwe, who are counsel to the defendants, commended the judge on the judgment, adding that they might head to Appeal Court to seek redress.

However, the prosecuting counsel from Rivers State Ministry of Justice, Chidi Ekeh complained of the 14 years sentence, which he said ordinarily would have been life imprisonment.