Anambra court sentences three police officers to life in jail Anambra court sentences three police officers to life in jail
The 42-year-old victim, who was from Mbosi in the state’s Ihiala Local Government Area, was believed to have been killed by the prisoners as they attempted to arrest him for a reported attack and intentional damage. The incident occurred on May 14, 2016, at No. 13 Ibe Street, East Niger Layout, Okpoko, in the state’s Ogbaru Local Government Area and the Onitsha Judicial Division.
The incident happened on May 14, 2016, at No 13 Ibe Street, East Niger Layout, Okpoko in Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state and in the Onitsha Judicial Division.
The former police officers, identified as Juliet Ekwueme, Ugochukwu Obiakor, and Raphael Chike, were reportedly fired from the Nigeria Police Force following the event.
The defendants were found guilty of the conspiracy and murder charges brought against them by the court, which was presided over by Justice A.O. Okuma on Wednesday. The prosecution’s evidence was deemed to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Sections 495(a) and 274(I) of the Criminal Code Cap 36 Volume II, Revised Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria 1991, as amended, were allegedly violated by the charges, according to Justice Okuma.
Following the trials, the three men received life sentences for murder and seven years in prison for conspiracy. Trulaw Chambers prosecuted the case using the Anambra State Attorney General’s fiat through her principal counsel, C.J. Okeke Esq. In response to the ruling, Okeke, the prosecutor, called it “another win” and a clear reminder that justice is still tenable in the hands of competent attorneys.
Just as the counsel for the second defendant, C.E. Ezenwa Esq., and the third defendant, C.J. Agbata, stated they required a copy of the judgment to decide their future course of action, the first defendant’s attorney, G.A. Oluwatuase, declared he will appeal the judgment on behalf of his client.
In Nigeria, the struggle for justice and accountability has reached a major turning point with the conviction and sentencing of the three former police officers implicated in Chukwunonso Uchenwoke’s murder. It serves as a warning that everyone must abide by the law and that those who violate the public trust will face consequences for their conduct. As we consider this issue, let us once again promise to work toward establishing a society in which each person’s rights and dignity are respected and safeguarded.