By Tina Amanda
The sentencing of Tombari Taol, who was convicted for the murder of a minor, Eedeebari Gonis, in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State in November 2018, has been stalled at the High Court in Port Harcourt.
The case, which was scheduled for sentencing today, was mentioned in court by prosecuting counsel Aya Adaye-Orugbani. However, Justice Margaret Opara adjourned the matter off record to February 20, 2025.
Taol was convicted on December 17, 2024, on a three-count charge of sexual abuse, unlawful sexual intercourse, and murder. Justice Opara had initially deferred sentencing to February 4, 2025, stating that since Taol was a minor at the time of the offense, he could not face the death penalty.
The court is now considering whether he will receive a life sentence or be sent to a rehabilitation center.
Additionally, the judge directed the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre to conduct a medical examination to assess Taol’s mental state, which will be a key factor in determining his final sentencing.
