A High Court sitting in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, has sentenced a commercial tricycle operator, Makuachukwu Ezike, to death by hanging for the murder of a passenger during a “one chance” robbery operation.
The court found Ezike guilty of killing Jude Onwuegbuchunam, an indigene of Umuoji, after a violent robbery attempt in 2019.
Court Relies on Evidence and Confession
Delivering judgment, Justice Lauretta Oyeka ruled that the evidence presented before the court clearly established the convict’s involvement in the crime.
The judge cited the abandoned tricycle and the defendant’s attempt to flee from the scene as key pieces of circumstantial evidence.
In addition, the court considered Ezike’s voluntary confession and medical findings that linked the victim’s death to injuries sustained during the incident.
As a result, the court convicted him of murder and imposed the death sentence.
How the Incident Happened
According to the prosecution, the crime occurred on November 17, 2019, along the Oba-Obosi-Nkpor-Umuoji Road.
Prosecuting counsel, Mrs. L.N. Umeozulu, told the court that Ezike and two accomplices, who remain at large, operated a “one chance” robbery syndicate.
The group allegedly posed as commercial transport operators and picked up Onwuegbuchunam as a passenger.
During the journey, they attempted to rob him of his mobile phone and other valuables.
Victim Thrown From Moving Tricycle
The prosecution said the victim resisted the robbery and raised an alarm.
Consequently, the attackers pushed him from the moving tricycle near Abidi Hall in Umuoji.
The area was close to a vigilante checkpoint.
The victim suffered severe injuries from the fall and died two days later.
Arrest Followed Failed Recovery Attempt
Investigators told the court that Ezike returned to the scene the following day to retrieve the abandoned tricycle.
However, local vigilante operatives arrested him and handed him over to the police.
During the trial, the prosecution presented five witnesses, including the doctor who conducted the post-mortem examination.
The medical expert confirmed that the victim died from injuries sustained after being thrown from the moving vehicle.
Judge Dismisses Defence Argument
Although the defence argued that no eyewitness directly witnessed the attack, the court rejected the claim.
Justice Oyeka stated that the law allows convictions based on confessional statements, direct evidence, or strong circumstantial evidence.
She concluded that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The court subsequently sentenced Ezike to death by hanging for the murder of the passenger.
