A Delta State High Court sitting in Ibusa has sentenced three men to death for the murder of Obi Edward Akaelue Ofulue III, the King of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom, in January 2016.
Those convicted are Suleiman Musa, Umar Mohammed, and Garba Abubakar Haruna alias Dogo.
They were charged for conspiracy, kidnapping, armed robbery, and murder, among other charges.
The court also convicted and sentenced one Jemilu Ahmed, who was found with the handset of the deceased, for receiving stolen property.
All the accused persons were found guilty and sentenced accordingly by Justice M. Omovie.
The state Director of Public Prosecution, Anthony Orhorhoro, called five witnesses in course of the trial.
The witnesses included Pastor Charles Afamefuna Ugboh, PW3, who was kidnapped alongside the deceased, but later escaped from custody.
Justice Omovie held that the prosecution proved its case against all the defendants beyond reasonable doubt, and that the three defendants who carried out the kidnapping and murder of Obi Edward Akalue Ofilue III, should die by hanging.
The court, on the other hand, sentenced Jemilu Ahmed to 14 years in prison with no option of fine for receiving stolen property.
It will be recalled that the traditional ruler was kidnapped along Obior road together with Pastor Afamefuna Ugboh. While Ugboh was able to escape, Ofulue’s corpse was found in the bush days later.
