A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, the state capital, has convicted and sentenced four persons to de@th by hanging for the brutal murder of the former Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada East Police Division, Superintendent of Police Bako Amgbashim.
The trial judge, Justice Sika Aprioku, also convicted the sixth defendant, Samuel Nwadinma, and sentenced him to three years’ imprisonment for conspiracy, while the third accused person was discharged and acquitted of all four counts of conspiracy, murder, membership of a secret cult group and robbery.
In the ruling, the court also released the ninth through thirteenth defendants—Famous Okechukwu, Samuel Uchendu, Oyekachi Ikonwa, Godbless Nnamdi, and Marshall Daniel—who had previously completed the maximum amount of time allowed by law while in detention after being found guilty of belonging to a covert cult.
According to Justice Aprioku, the charges of conspiracy, murder, membership in a covert cult, and robbery against the four guilty individuals were proven beyond a reasonable doubt by the prosecution.
The judge ruled that the first defendant, Robinson Sonabari (the native doctor), the second defendant, Bright Okparawo, the fourth defendant, Precious Amaeze, popularly known as Selina, and the fifth defendant, Loveday Jack, also known as Rugged Excess, be hanged by the neck until they are confirmed dead.
Speaking to journalists after the judgment, lead prosecution counsel from the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, Chigozie Amadi, commended the judiciary for ensuring that justice was served.
He said, “Justice is not only seen to have been done but has manifestly been done. This was a protracted case, and we thank the judge as well as both the prosecution and defence counsel.
“It is a capital offence, and we worked hard to prove our case beyond a reasonable doubt. Today, justice has been served for the gruesome murder of SP Bako Amgbashim.”
Also reacting, counsel for the Principal Legal Assistant, Nigeria Police Force, Celestine Dickson, said police officers, whose duty is to protect lives and property, have increasingly become targets of criminal gangs, expressing hope that the judgment would serve as a deterrent.
Meanwhile, the elder brother of the late DPO, Akasco Amgbashim, who travelled from Nasarawa State to witness the judgment, said the family had endured immense pain since the officer’s murder.
While commending the judiciary, the Rivers State Government and the Nigeria Police Force, he described the judgment as a reminder that no individual has the right to take another person’s life.
He said, “I thank the Federal Government and the police for standing firm to ensure justice. I also appreciate the Rivers State Government for supporting the police and the judiciary to carry out their duties effectively.
“Our people in Nasarawa State, especially the Amgbashim family, are grateful and relieved. This judgment should serve as a warning to criminals. A police officer exists for the peace and protection of society, and it is tragic when such a life is taken.
“Now that justice has been done, the lesson for everyone is that we must not take the law into our hands.”
