Rita Enemuru, Reporting
A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has convicted and sentenced four of the thirteen defendants standing trial for the murder of the former Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada East, SP Bako Amgbashim, to death by hanging.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Sika Aprioku found the four men guilty of conspiracy, murder, membership of a secret cult and armed robbery.
Those sentenced to death are Robinson Sonabari, identified as the native doctor who allegedly prepared the charm used in the killing; Bright Okparawo; Precious Amaeze, also known as “Selina”; and Loveday Jack, alias “Rugged Excess”. The court ordered that they be hanged by the neck until pronounced dead.
In the same judgment, the sixth defendant, Samuel Nwadinma, was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for conspiracy, while the third accused person was discharged and acquitted on all four counts.
Five other defendants — Famous Okechukwu, Samuel Uchendu, Oyekachi Ikonwa, Godbless Nnamdi and Marshall Daniel — were found guilty of belonging to a secret cult but were discharged, having already served the stipulated term in a correctional facility.
Justice Aprioku held that the prosecution, led by Chigozie Amadi of the Rivers State Ministry of Justice alongside police counsel Celestine Dickson, proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
“The evidence before the court established a coordinated plot which culminated in the brutal murder of a police officer who was carrying out his lawful duty to protect lives and property,” the judge ruled.
Reacting to the verdict, Amadi and Dickson commended the judiciary for what they described as the diligent dispensation of justice, expressing hope that the judgment would serve as a deterrent to criminal elements.
“Police officers are increasingly targets of violent attacks. This judgment sends a clear message that such acts will not go unpunished,” Dickson said.
SP Amgbashim was killed on 8 September 2023 during a police operation in Odiemude community, Ahoada East Local Government Area. His body was dismembered, an incident that heightened tensions in the area and led to a joint security operation. The operation subsequently resulted in the death of the prime suspect, Gift David Okparanwo, also known as “2Baba”.
The deceased officer’s elder brother, Akasco Amgbashim, who travelled from Nasarawa State to witness the proceedings, said the family felt a measure of closure following the judgment.
“This verdict has brought some healing to a wound we have carried since our brother’s murder. It reinforces the principle that no one has the right to take another person’s life,” he said.
The case stemmed from a wider investigation initially involving 72 suspects. Sixty-one individuals — including the King of the Ekpeye ethnic nationality, His Imperial Majesty Eze Kelvin Anugwo, Eze Logbo III, and the former Ahoada East Council Chairman and Paramount Ruler of Igbu-Akoh Kingdom, Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi — were earlier discharged for lack of evidence, leaving thirteen to stand trial.
