A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has sentenced four people to death by hanging for their involvement in the brutal killing of the former Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada East, Superintendent of Police Bako Amgbashim.
Justice Sika Aprioku delivered the judgment on Thursday, convicting Robinson Sonabari, described as a native doctor; Bright Okparawo; Precious Amaeze, also known as “Selina”; and Loveday Jack, popularly called “Ragged Excess.”
They were found guilty of conspiracy, murder, membership of a secret cult group and robbery.
The court held that the prosecution established its case beyond reasonable doubt and ordered that the four convicts “be hanged by the neck until they are confirmed dead.”
In the same ruling, Samuel Nwadinma, listed as the sixth defendant, was found guilty of conspiracy and sentenced to three years in prison. The third defendant was, however, discharged and acquitted of all four charges.
Justice Aprioku also freed five other defendants, Famous Okechukwu, Samuel Uchendu, Oyekachi Ikonwa, Godbless Nnamdi and Marshall Daniel, who had been convicted for membership of a secret cult group.
The court noted that they had already spent the maximum period required by law for the offence while in correctional custody, making further detention unnecessary.
According to the judge, Sonabari was responsible for preparing the charm allegedly used to carry out the killing of the late police officer.
Reacting to the judgment, lead prosecution counsel from the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, Chigozie Amadi, who appeared alongside Celestine Dickson representing the Nigeria Police, praised the court for what they described as a courageous and thorough verdict.
Dickson expressed worry over the rising attacks on security personnel, noting that officers tasked with protecting lives and property were increasingly becoming targets of criminal elements.
He added that the ruling would serve as a deterrent to others involved in violent crimes.
Outside the courtroom, the slain officer’s elder brother, Akasco Amgbashim, who travelled from Nasarawa State to witness the proceedings, said the verdict was a healing balm for the family.
He said they had lived with deep pain since the killing of their brother and thanked the judiciary, the Rivers State Government and the Nigeria Police for ensuring justice was served.
He also noted that the judgment sends a clear message that no one has the right to unlawfully take another person’s life.
The four convicts were among 72 individuals initially arraigned before the Rivers State High Court by a joint prosecution team made up of the Department of Public Prosecutions and the Rivers State Police Command.
During the trial, 61 defendants, including Eze Ekpeye Logbo, Eze Kelvin Anugwo and a former Ahoada East Local Government Council Chairman, Cassidy Ikegbidi, were discharged and acquitted for lack of evidence, leaving 13 defendants to face final judgment.
SP Amgbashim was killed on September 8, 2023, during a police operation in Odemude community, Ahoada East Local Government Area. His body was reportedly dismembered, sparking widespread outrage and tension in the area.
Following the incident, security operatives launched a joint operation that led to the killing of a suspected cult leader, David Okparanwo, also known as “2Baba,” believed to have coordinated the attack.
The judgment brings a significant chapter of the case to a close, offering some measure of relief to the family while underscoring the judiciary’s determination to punish violent crimes against law enforcement officers.
