By Ibrahim Bakare
The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt Presided over by Justice J.Kolawole Omotosho, has convicted five persons, three sentenced to death by hanging and two sentenced to life imprisonment without option of fine for murder, kidnapping and possession of illegal fire arms.
The Court also discharged and acquitted four persons. The three persons who were convicted and sentenced to death were Kingsley Chuku, Uchendu Elindam and Obinna Chuku, while the two others who were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment are: Godknowns Nworem and Promise Jim.
Those discharged and acquitted are Henry Elebiga, Destiny Wosu, Stanley Wosu and Elizabeth Chuku.
The nine persons were charged by the Department of State Security Service, DSS; on 20th of September 2017 on six count charges for the kidnapped of one Dr. Alexander Akani, a Consultant with University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, UPTH, on the 28th of June 2017 who later died in their kidnapped den.
They were also convicted and sentenced accordingly for the murder of Mr. Deyspring Braide, a Former Head Personnel Management, HPM, of Local Government Administration of Asari-Toru Local Government Area sometime July 2015.
The Presiding Judge, Justice J Kolawole Omotosho, in his judgement for a trial that lasted for three years, convicted the five suspects, discharged and acquit four others and prayed that God have mercy on their souls.
Speaking outside the Courtroom, Counsel to four suspects in the matter, Mr. Barango Tariah said two of his clients were discharged, while two were convicted, stating that he would liaise with the family for any possible appeal.
Meanwhile, counsel to the DSS, C S Eze declined speaking to Journalists.