In a landmark ruling, an Owerri High Court in Imo State has condemned a 34-year-old man, Johnbosco Chidera Ashiegbu, to death by hanging for his involvement in multiple armed robbery and kidnapping incidents. The court found him guilty on all eight counts brought against him.
Ashiegbu, who hails from Amaiyi Akabo in Ikeduru Local Government Area, was apprehended in 2024 along Okigwe Road, Owerri, while driving a stolen vehicle. During interrogation, he admitted to being a serial offender, leading a gang that operated across Imo and Abia States, engaging in armed robbery and hostage-taking.
Presiding Judge C.N. Akowundu declared that the prosecution had established guilt beyond reasonable doubt on all charges. The court recounted how in 2024, Ashiegbu and his accomplices, who remain at large, followed Mr. Rex Edwin Achiefula to his residence in Aba. They ambushed him and his wife, stealing their car and US$2,800. While the wife was released on the roadside, the husband was taken hostage and held for nearly six days at an undisclosed location.
On the same day, before the couple’s abduction, the gang had already seized Emmanuel Okezie, who was also driving on the same route. Both victims were freed only after ransoms of ₦3.7 million and ₦15 million were paid, respectively.
Justice Akobundu noted that Ashiegbu owned a fleet of cars and routinely transferred stolen vehicles to his name, even gifting some to his elder brother and sister on her birthday. The defense counsel pleaded for leniency, arguing that the convict had no prior record and was the sole breadwinner for his family. However, the judge dismissed this plea, stating that Ashiegbu displayed no remorse throughout the trial.
The prosecution, led by Senior State Counsel Ikenna Obi from the Ministry of Justice, urged the court to deliver a verdict in line with the law, emphasizing the convict’s lack of repentance. Ultimately, the judge sentenced Ashiegbu to death by hanging for his crimes.