By Karen James
In a landmark case, the Anambra State High Court sitting in Onitsha has convicted and sentenced three police officers to life imprisonment for the murder of a suspect. The deceased, identified as Chukwunonso Uchenwoke, was allegedly killed by the police officers during his arrest for alleged assault and malicious damage.
The incident took place on May 14, 2016, at No 13 Ibe Street, East Niger Layout, Okpoko, Ogbaru Council Area, within the Onitsha Judicial Division. The convicted police officers, Juliet Ekwueme, Ugochukwu Obiakor, and Raphael Chike, were subsequently dismissed from the Nigerian Police Force.
Honourable Justice A.O. Okuma, presiding over the case, declared that the prosecution counsel had successfully proven their case beyond a reasonable doubt. Consequently, the court found the accused guilty of conspiracy and murder charges as stipulated in Sections 495(a) and 274(I) of the Criminal Code Cap 36 Volume II, Revised Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria 1991 as amended.
The three officers were sentenced to seven years imprisonment for conspiracy and life imprisonment for manslaughter.
The case was diligently prosecuted by TRULAW CHAMBERS, with C.J. Okeke Esq. as the Principal Counsel, in collaboration with the Anambra State Attorney General.
Expressing satisfaction with the judgement, Prosecutor C.J. Okeke described the outcome as a significant victory for TRULAW CHAMBERS and a reminder that justice can still prevail with competent legal representation.
On the other hand, Counsel to the first defendant, G.A. Oluwatuase, announced plans to appeal the judgement. However, Counsels to the second defendant, C.E. Ezenwa Esqr., and the third defendant, C.J Agbata, stated that they would need a copy of the judgement to determine their next line of action.
The sentencing of these police officers sends a powerful message that police brutality and extrajudicial killings will not be tolerated in Anambra State. It is a step towards restoring public confidence in law enforcement and emphasizing the accountability of those entrusted with protecting citizens’ lives and rights.
