Court sentences seven to death for murder of cleric in Rivers

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has sentenced seven persons, including twin brothers, to death by hanging over the kidnap and murder of Reverend Edwin Isaiah Dokubo-Harry in 2013.

The trial judge, Justice Boma Diepiri, delivered the judgment on Monday after finding the defendants guilty of conspiracy, kidnapping, murder, illegal possession of firearms and related offences.

Those convicted are Precious Jack Opara, Answer Dick, Osaki Fubara, Prince Mikado Philip, Tienabeso George, Seleipri Fubara and Alaboeriya Fubara.

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However, the court discharged and acquitted Emmanuel Isreal and Nephew Philemon of the 25-count charge bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping, murder, illegal possession of firearms and criminal offences.

The court heard that the convicts and others still at large on December 6, 2013, lured Reverend Dokubo-Harry to a forest in Abalama community in Asari-Toru Local Government Area, where he was kidnapped, blindfolded and tied up before he was killed.

His body was later dumped in a creek in the area.

Justice Diepiri held that the prosecution successfully proved its case against the seven convicts beyond reasonable doubt and consequently sentenced them to death by hanging.

The judge further directed that the recovered firearm and other exhibits used during the trial be handed over to the Nigerian Police.

The pronouncement of the death sentence triggered emotional scenes in the courtroom, as some of the convicts and their family members broke down in tears.