Kidnappers of Ozekhome Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison

In a significant legal development, a Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted and sentenced two of the four defendants who were alleged to have kidnapped Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, to 20 years imprisonment each.

The verdict was delivered by Justice Binta Nyako, who found the defendants, Kelvin Ezeigbe and Frank Azuekor, guilty of the charges brought against them.

Justice Nyako, in her judgment, emphasized that the prosecution had successfully established the counts against the 1st and 2nd defendants beyond reasonable doubt. She further clarified that the sentences would commence from the day of their arrest.

However, in a surprising turn of events, the judge discharged and acquitted Michael Omonigho and Momoh Haruna, the 3rd and 4th defendants, of the counts related to the terrorism charge.

Despite some of the charges attracting severe penalties, including death sentences and life imprisonment, Justice Nyako noted that she found the convicted individuals to be remorseful for their criminal actions. Additionally, she acknowledged that they had spent approximately a decade in custody since their arrest.

The court proceedings took an unexpected turn when Chief Priest Michael Omonigho, who was present in court, declared his repentance when cautioned about the open worship in his shrine. He responded to the judge, saying, “I have repented, my lord.”

Regarding the defendant Momoh Haruna, who had been at large, Justice Nyako directed that he be brought to court to face the consequences of escaping lawful custody, despite being discharged of the charges against him.

The case drew to a close with the judge commending both the defense lawyer, Bala Dakum, and the prosecution counsel, Chioma Onuegbu, for their diligent contributions throughout the trial.

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These legal proceedings stemmed from an incident in which the defendants – Kelvin Ezeigbe, Frank Azuekor, Michael Omonigho, and Momoh Haruna – were initially arraigned on June 9, 2014, before Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court. They faced a 13-count charge related to conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, and acts of terrorism.

The charges centered around the kidnapping of Chief Mike Ozekhome in 2013, as well as other incidents involving prominent individuals, including the kidnapping of Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Hope Eghagha, and the killing of law enforcement officers.

While the legal process has concluded for some, the apprehension and prosecution of Momoh Haruna, the remaining defendant, are pending to complete the resolution of this complex and high-profile case.