A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has convicted and sentenced four persons to death by hanging for their roles in the killing of the former Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada East Police Division, Superintendent of Police Bako Amgbashim.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Sika Aprioku found Robinson Sonabari, identified as a native doctor; Bright Okparawo; Precious Amaeze, popularly known as “Selina”; and Loveday Jack, also known as “Ragged Excess,” guilty of conspiracy, murder, membership of a secret cult group and robbery.
The court held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and ordered that the four convicts be hanged by the neck until they are confirmed dead.
In the same judgment, the sixth defendant, Samuel Nwadinma, was convicted for conspiracy and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, while the third defendant was discharged and acquitted on all four counts of conspiracy, murder, cultism and robbery.
Justice Aprioku also discharged Famous Okechukwu, Samuel Uchendu, Oyekachi Ikonwa, Godbless Nnamdi and Marshall Daniel, who were found guilty of membership of a secret cult group, ruling that they had already served the maximum term prescribed by law during their time in correctional custody.
The judge noted that Sonabari was responsible for preparing the charm allegedly used in carrying out the killing of the late DPO.
Reacting to the verdict, lead prosecution counsel from the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, Chigozie Amadi, alongside Celestine Dickson, who represented the Nigeria Police in the joint prosecution, commended the court for what they described as a courageous and thorough judgment.
Dickson expressed concern over the increasing attacks on security personnel, stating that officers tasked with protecting lives and property had become targets of criminal elements. He expressed optimism that the ruling would serve as a deterrent to others involved in violent crimes.
Outside the courtroom, the elder brother of the slain officer, Akasco Amgbashim, who travelled from Nasarawa State to witness the judgment, described the verdict as a healing balm for the family. He said the family had endured immense pain since the murder and thanked the judiciary, the Rivers State Government and the Nigeria Police for ensuring justice was served, adding that the ruling sends a clear message that no one has the right to unlawfully take another person’s life.
The four convicts were among 72 persons initially arraigned before the court by a joint prosecution team comprising the Department of Public Prosecutions and the Rivers State Police Command. During the trial, 61 defendants, including Eze Ekpeye Logbo, Eze Kelvin Anugwo and a former Ahoada East Local Government Council Chairman, Cassidy Ikegbidi, were discharged and acquitted for lack of evidence, leaving 13 persons to face final judgment.
SP Amgbashim was murdered on September 8, 2023, during a police operation in Odemude community, Ahoada East Local Government Area. His body was reportedly dismembered, sparking widespread outrage and tension in the area.
Following the incident, the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, launched a joint operation that led to the killing of the suspected cult leader, David Okparanwo, popularly known as “2Baba,” who was believed to have spearheaded the attack.
The judgment marks a significant milestone in the protracted legal battle over the killing, bringing a measure of closure to the family and underscoring the judiciary’s resolve to address violent crimes against law enforcement officers.
