In a landmark ruling, a High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has condemned seven individuals to death by hanging for their involvement in the abduction and murder of Reverend Edwin Isaiah Dokubo-Harry over a decade ago. Justice Boma Diepiri delivered the verdict on Thursday, bringing closure to a case that has lingered since December 2013, when the clergyman was killed in Abalama, Asari-Toru Local Government Area.
The convicted persons include Precious Jack Opara, Answer Dick, Osaki Fubara, Prince Mikado Philip, Tienabeso George, Seleipri Fubara, and Alaboeriya Fubara. They were found guilty on multiple counts, such as conspiracy, kidnapping, murder, and unlawful possession of firearms. Justice Diepiri emphasized that the prosecution had adequately proven each charge beyond reasonable doubt, leading to the imposition of the death penalty on all seven.
The court heard chilling details of the crime: the victim was lured into a forest in Abalama, where he was seized by members of the group. He was then blindfolded and tied up before being killed, with his body later discarded in a nearby creek. As part of the judgment, the judge ordered that a firearm retrieved during the investigation, along with other evidence, be handed over to the Nigeria Police Force.
Meanwhile, two other defendants, Emmanuel Israel and Nephew Philemon, were acquitted and discharged. The court ruled that the evidence against them was insufficient to link them to the 25-count charge. The verdict sparked emotional reactions, with some convicts and their relatives weeping as the sentences were read out.