Court Sentences Man To Death By Hanging For Armed Robbery, Kidnapping

Imo State High Court, Owerri has sentenced a 34-year-old man, Johnbosco Chidera Ashiegbu, to death by hanging after finding him guilty of armed robbery and kidnapping.

Ashiegbu,  a native of Amaiyi Akabo in Ikeduru local government area, was apprehended in 2024 on Okigwe Road, Owerri,  with a stolen vehicle and, after interrogation,  confessed to having been into armed robbery and kidnapping, operating within Imo and Abia States.

In his ruling, Justice C.N. Akowundu, said Ashiegbu was guilty of all eight counts, as the prosecuting counsel proved beyond a reasonable doubt all the charges levelled against the accused.

“Ashiegbu and his gang were said to have trailed one Mr Rex Edwin Achiefula to his house at Aba while driving along with his wife and whisked the couple away, robbing them of their car and the sum of $2,800.

“While the wife was freed, her husband was blindfolded and taken to an unknown destination where he was held hostage for close to six days.

“The defendant and his gang members, that same day, about the same time, before the abduction of Achiefula, had already abducted one Emmanuel Okezie, who was also driving along the same route. ”

Their victims were later released after the payment of a ransom of 3.7million naira and 15 million naira, respectively.

Justice Akobundu, in his judgment, highlighted that Ashiegbu drives a fleet of cars and routinely changes the ownership of all vehicles he stole to his name, including those he gave his elder brother and sister during his sister’s birthday celebration.

However, the defence counsel pleaded for leniency, noting that the accused had not been convicted of any offence in the past and is the breadwinner of the family, married with children who depend on him for sustenance.

Throwing out the plea, the Judge said the defendant showed no sign of remorse throughout the trial.

The prosecuting counsel, Ikenna Obi, a Counsel in the Ministry of Justice, urged the Court to give its pronouncement in line with the instant law of the land.

He noted that the defendant had not shown any repentance, even after being found guilty of all the charges before the Court.

The Judge, in his judgement, stressed that the accused was guilty of all charges brought against him and therefore sentenced him to death by hanging.