A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has convicted and sentenced four persons to death by hanging over the killing of the former Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada East Police Division, Superintendent of Police (SP) Bako Amgbashim.
The trial judge, Justice Sika Aprioku, also sentenced the sixth defendant, Samuel Nwadinma, to three years’ imprisonment for conspiracy, while the third defendant was discharged and acquitted of charges bordering on conspiracy, murder, cult membership, and robbery.
In addition, the court discharged Famous Okechukwu, Samuel Uchendu, Oyekachi Ikonwa, Godbless Nnamdi, and Marshall Daniel — the ninth to thirteenth defendants after finding that although they were linked to cult membership, they had already served the statutory terms applicable to the offence.
Justice Aprioku held that the prosecution successfully proved beyond reasonable doubt the charges of conspiracy, murder, cult membership, and robbery against the four convicts. Among those sentenced to death is a native doctor accused of preparing charms allegedly used in the killing of the police officer.
Those sentenced to death were identified as Robinson Sonabari, Bright Okparawo, Precious Amaeze (also known as Selina), and Loveday Jack, popularly called Ragged Excess.
Reacting to the judgment, lead prosecution counsel from the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, Chigozie Amadi, alongside police legal representative Celestine Dickson, commended the judiciary for what they described as diligent handling of the case and the delivery of justice.
They expressed concern over increasing attacks on law enforcement officers but expressed hope that the judgment would serve as a deterrent to criminal activities.
Speaking separately, Akasco Amgbashim, elder brother of the late DPO, said the judgment had brought some relief to the family, who have been grieving since the killing of their relative. He commended the judiciary, the Rivers State Government, and the police for ensuring justice was served.
The four convicts were among 72 persons initially arraigned before the Rivers State High Court by a joint prosecution team comprising the Department of Public Prosecutions and the Rivers State Police Command over the murder.
During the trial, 61 suspects including a traditional ruler, Eze Kelvin Anugwo, and a former Ahoada East Local Government chairman, Cassidy Ikegbidi were discharged and acquitted due to insufficient evidence, leaving 13 defendants to face judgment.
SP Bako Amgbashim was killed on September 8, 2023, during a police operation in Odemude community, Ahoada East Local Government Area. The incident heightened tension in the area and prompted joint security operations targeting suspected cult groups.
