A High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, reached a verdict on Monday, convicting and sentencing five individuals to death by hanging for their involvement in the murder of Umezuruike Alex, a former commander of a local vigilante group known as OSPAC (Onelga Security Peace and Advisory Committee) in Omudioga community, Emohua Local Government Area of the state.
The brutal murder of the former OSPAC commander in 2021, involving beheading and dismemberment, was attributed to cultists.
The court ruled that the convicted individuals should face either hanging or lethal injection until confirmed dead.
Among the convicts were Okechukwu Orji from Atali community in Obio-Akpor, Igwe Promise, Iheanyi Igwe, and Morrison Igwe from Omudioga in Emohua LGA, and Goodness Monday from Akwa Ibom State. They were found guilty of multiple charges including conspiracy, cultism, murder, and illegal possession of firearms.
Justice Sika Aprioku, the presiding judge, acquitted the sixth defendant, Alex Deiwe, but found the other five guilty based on evidence presented by the prosecution counsel, Essien Edet.
Additionally, the court concluded that the convicts were involved in kidnapping and other criminal activities across the state prior to their arrest and trial.
Following the verdict, Essien Edet, the prosecution counsel and a legal officer at the Rivers State Police Command, expressed satisfaction with the judgment, stating that it would serve as a deterrent to others engaged in similar crimes.
“This verdict marks the culmination of a prolonged legal process concerning the murder of the former OSPAC Commander in Omudioga community, Emuoha LGA. It underscores the value of justice and sends a clear message to those perpetrating heinous crimes that they will be held accountable,” remarked Edet.