A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has sentenced to death by hanging on the neck, the serial killer, Gracious David-West, who murdered several ladies in some hotel rooms in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas.
The accused has been standing trial since October 21, 2019, for the murder of nine ladies and one attempted murder, alongside 2nd Defendant Nimi ThankGod, a Hotel Manager, charged for misconduct with the corpse of one of the victims found along Bende Street in Old Port Harcourt Township.
In a judgment that lasted over two hours, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, convicted Gracious David-West on a six-count charge of murder and one attempted murder out of nine-count charge leveled against him.
The judge said the prosecution could not lead evidence on count 6, 8, and 9 murder charges.
Justice Enebeli in his ruling said no amount of sentence or punishment can replace the gravity of the crime committed by the accused, stressing that Gracious David-West does not deserve mercy, grace, or to live.
The Judge thereby sentenced Gracious David West to death by hanging on the neck.
Justice Adolphus Enebeli discharged and acquitted the 2nd Defendant Nimi ThankGod, as Prosecution was unable to prove that there was any connection between the 1st and 2nd Defendants.
In an interview, Prosecution Counsel Chidi Ekeh, told our correspondent Tina Amanda, that the judgment will serve as a deterrent to others who are committing such crimes.
“The court has delivered its judgment and found Gracious West guilty. The court agreed with us that we proved our case beyond all reasonable doubt.
“The 2nd Defendant escaped by whiskers. It is not that she did not commit the offense she was charged with, but it was difficult to determine who exactly did, as the witnesses who would have provided evidence suddenly disappeared from the state till date.
“I feel so sad for any life that is wasted, the judgment will serve as a lesson to all people with such disposition, who are always taking to crime, for them to know there are consequences”
Vincent Chuku, Counsel to Gracious David-West, said until his client gets judgment from the Apex Court, they will not be satisfied with the judgment.
“The court has given its judgment, convicting the 1st Defendant. My client still has avenues to express his constitutional right under the constitution. If by the time our brief ends with the trial court, and we as his lawyers are briefed to pursue his constitutional right of appeal, we shall honestly do so to secure his required hallowed chambers of justice”
Lezina Amegua, Counsel to the 2nd Defendant Nimi ThankGod, thanked the court for discharging and acquitting his client while praying that prosecution will not challenge the judgment.
“Today we have gotten judgment that has incensed our confidence in the Nigerian Justice System. My client has been vindicated and we hope that the Prosecution led by the state Attorney General will not find the courage to challenge the judgment.
On her part, representative of the International Federation of Women Lawyers FIDA, Kemi Ogunaki, expressed happiness that the serial killer Gracious David West has been convicted of the murder of women.
She said the molestation, killing, defilement of girls, and women should stop.
