Court Sentences 3 to Death for Murder of Delta Monarch

A Delta State High Court, sitting in Ibusa, Oshimili, has sentenced three individuals to death for their involvement in the murder of Obi Edward Ofulue III, the traditional ruler of Ubulu-Uku.

The three convicts Suleiman Musa, Garba Abubakar, and Haruna were found guilty of conspiring to kidnap, rob, and murder the monarch on January 6, 2016.

The convicted individuals, who were the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants in the case, were sentenced to death by hanging. The court’s decision follows a trial where the prosecution proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendants had committed the heinous crime, which also involved the kidnapping of another victim, Ugboh.

The 1st defendant, Jemilu Ahmed, was sentenced to five years and 14 years in prison without the option of a fine, in relation to two of the charges against him. The sentences are to run concurrently.

Delivering the judgment, Justice M. Omovie stated that the prosecution had successfully established all 10 counts of the charges against the defendants. The judge emphasized the gravity of the crime and the need to uphold justice for the victim and his community.