Justice Irele-Ifijeh of the Edo State High Court in Benin City has handed down a verdict sentencing three individuals to death by hanging for their involvement in armed robbery, kidnapping, and the murder of Ephraim Akhere.
Solomon Abuede, James Monday, and Kelvin Edward were found guilty of these heinous crimes, which took place in Ihumudumun quarters in Ekpoma, the headquarters of Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Additionally, Justice Ifijeh sentenced Oviasogie Sunday, also known as Alhaji of Kano, to life imprisonment for his role in receiving a stolen Infinity Jeep with registration number EFR 218 FB, belonging to the late Ephraim Akhere.
This vehicle was taken following the murder of Ephraim, and Oviasogie Sunday was found complicit in the crime.
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The six individuals were brought before the court on a six-count charge, including armed robbery, kidnapping, conspiracy, and receipt of stolen property.
While Solomon Abuede, James Monday, and Kelvin Edward faced the full force of the law, David Williams and Monday Ozomo were discharged due to insufficient evidence linking them to the crimes.
In her detailed judgment, Justice Ifijeh described how the kidnappers used a motorcycle and weapons to carry out their crimes, forcing their victims to comply with their demands.
The convicts then proceeded to the bank, where they withdrew money using Ephraim’s ATM card before taking him to an uncompleted building, where he was thrown into a well after being poisoned.
The judge highlighted the brutal nature of the crimes, including the rape of a female victim, and emphasized the severity of the actions taken by the convicts.
The sentencing serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in such criminal activities and sends a strong message to those who may consider similar actions in the future.
