Three individuals, namely Solomon Abuede, James Monday, and Kelvin Edward, have been convicted and sentenced to death by hanging for the crimes of armed robbery, kidnapping, and murder in Edo State.
The verdict was delivered at the High Court in Benin by Hon. Justice R. Irele-Ifijeh for their involvement in the kidnapping and murder of Ephraim Akhere in Ihumudumun Quarters, Ekpoma, the headquarters of Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, on June 13, 2014.
Additionally, the court handed a life imprisonment sentence to Oviasogie Sunday for his role in receiving a stolen Infinity Jeep with registration number EFR 218 FB, which belonged to the late Akhere.
These offenses fall under the purview of the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law of Edo State 2013 and the Armed Robbery and Fire Arms Act.
The trio was part of a group of six individuals brought before Justice R. Irele-Ifijeh on charges of armed robbery, kidnapping, conspiracy, and handling stolen property.
David Williams and Monday Ozomo were acquitted due to insufficient evidence linking them to the aforementioned crimes.
In a detailed 91-page ruling provided to the press, Justice Irele-Ifijeh emphasized that the confessions of Abuede, Monday, and Edward regarding their involvement in the armed robbery were corroborated by witness testimony, particularly Sandra, a victim who was present during the criminal activities.
During the sentencing, the judge highlighted, “The perpetrators, armed and on a motorcycle, abducted their victims, forced them into a vehicle, and proceeded to carry out their criminal acts, including a tragic outcome for Akhere and the harrowing ordeal faced by Sandra.”
Solomon, who supplied the lethal substance, spared Sandra’s life but subjected her to further harm.
James Monday provided the weapon used, while Monday Ozomo was involved in transporting the stolen vehicle to another state, where it was sold at a reduced price.