A High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has sentenced seven men to death by hanging after finding them guilty of the kidnapping and murder of Reverend Edwin Isaiah Dokubo-Harry more than a decade ago.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Boma Diepiri on Thursday, concluded a long-running case arising from the killing of the clergyman in Abalama, Asari-Toru Local Government Area, in December 2013.
Those convicted are Precious Jack Opara, Answer Dick, Osaki Fubara, Prince Mikado Philip, Tienabeso George, Seleipri Fubara, and Alaboeriya Fubara.
The court found them guilty of conspiracy, kidnapping, murder, unlawful possession of firearms, and related offences.
Justice Diepiri held that the prosecution successfully established the charges against the defendants and consequently imposed the death sentence on all seven convicts.
The court heard that the victim was allegedly lured into a forest in Abalama, where he was abducted by members of the group.
He was reportedly blindfolded and restrained before being killed, after which his body was abandoned in a creek in the area.
The judge further ordered that the firearm recovered during the investigation, along with other exhibits tendered in evidence, be released to the Nigeria Police Force.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Israel and Nephew Philemon, who were also standing trial in connection with the matter, were cleared of all allegations.
The court discharged and acquitted both men of the 25-count charge after determining that the evidence presented was insufficient to link them to the offences.
The verdict triggered emotional reactions in the courtroom, with some of the convicts and their relatives shedding tears as the sentences were pronounced.
Court sentences seven to death for murder of Rivers clergyman
Court sentences seven to death for murder of Rivers clergyman
