UBULU UKU: The Delta State High Court has handed down a death sentence by hanging to three individuals Suleiman Musa, Umar Mohammed, and Garba Abubakar Haruna, also known as Dogo for the murder of His Royal Majesty, Obi Edward Akaelue Ofulue III, the late King of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom. The conviction stems from a harrowing crime committed on January 6, 2016, when the revered monarch was abducted and ultimately killed in cold blood.
The three men, convicted of the murder, were found guilty of several heinous crimes, including conspiracy to commit kidnapping, kidnapping, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit murder, and the murder of Obi Ofulue III. The court, under the guidance of Justice M. Omovie, determined that the evidence presented by the prosecution was overwhelming and sufficient to establish the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt.
In a related ruling, the court also sentenced Jemilu Ahmed to 14 years in prison without the option of a fine for his role in possessing the stolen mobile handset of the late monarch. Ahmed was found guilty of receiving stolen property, as the royal’s phone was found in his possession, a key piece of evidence that connected him to the crime.
The prosecution, led by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Anthony Orhorhoro, called upon several witnesses to testify in the case, one of whom was Pastor Charles Afamefuna Ugboh. Pastor Ugboh, who had been kidnapped alongside Obi Ofulue III but was fortunate to escape, provided critical eyewitness testimony.
He recounted the terrifying events of the abduction, describing how the kidnappers, armed and violent, seized both him and the monarch at gunpoint along Obior Road. His courageous testimony shed light on the sequence of events that led to the brutal killing of the king and helped to solidify the case against the accused.
The tragic event took place along Obior Road, where the monarch was abducted in broad daylight, an incident that sent shockwaves through the Ubulu-Uku Kingdom and beyond. The king’s captors held him hostage for several days, and after subjecting him to unimaginable terror, his lifeless body was discovered in a secluded area of the bush, several days after the abduction.
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In her judgment, Justice Omovie stated that the prosecution had effectively proven its case against the accused, particularly highlighting the damning testimonies and evidence presented during the trial. Consequently, she sentenced the three men convicted of kidnapping and murdering Obi Ofulue III to death by hanging, delivering a strong message about the gravity of such crimes in society.
The court’s decision has been met with a mixed response, with some praising the swift administration of justice, while others decry the growing menace of kidnapping and violent crime in the region. The sentencing of the perpetrators serves as a reminder of the dangers facing communities and the importance of upholding the law in ensuring safety and justice for all.
The case has also drawn attention to the vulnerability of high-profile individuals, such as monarchs and leaders, who are increasingly targeted by criminal elements. The murder of Obi Ofulue III, a deeply respected figure in Ubulu-Uku Kingdom, has left a significant void in the community and has raised concerns about the security of the region as a whole.
The court’s verdict, while delivering a sense of justice for the victim and his family, also serves as a stern warning to those involved in similar criminal activities. As for the surviving victim, Pastor Ugboh, his escape from the kidnappers has been seen as a courageous act, and his testimony played a crucial role in the successful prosecution of the case.
The conviction of these individuals brings a sense of closure to the tragic murder of Obi Edward Akaelue Ofulue III, though it also underscores the ongoing challenge of combatting violent crime and abduction in Nigeria, a nation that continues to grapple with such issues.
