Three Sentenced to Death for Killing Delta Monarch

A Delta State High Court sitting in Ibusa, Oshimili, has sentenced three individuals to death by hanging for the murder of Obi Edward Ofulue III, the traditional ruler of Ubulu-Uku. The tragic incident occurred on January 6, 2016, when the convicts conspired to kidnap, rob, and ultimately kill the monarch.

The convicts, identified as Suleiman Musa, Garba Abubakar, and Haruna, were the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants in the case. The court found them guilty of a 10-count charge, including conspiracy, armed robbery, and murder. Justice M. Omovie, the presiding judge, stated that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. Consequently, the trio was sentenced to death by hanging.

The 1st defendant, Jemilu Ahmed, received a separate sentence of five and 14 years of imprisonment on two charges. Both sentences are to run concurrently, and there is no option of a fine.

According to J. Odogun, who reacted to the judgment, the evidence presented established that the defendants had conspired to rob and kidnap one Ugboh at gunpoint on the same day they murdered Obi Edward Ofulue III. The sentencing brings closure to a case that has lingered since the shocking death of the monarch.