Rivers Court Sentences 7, Including Twins, To Death Over Reverend Dokubo-Harry’s Murder

Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has sentenced seven persons, including twin brothers, to death by hanging over the abduction and murder of Reverend Edwin Isaiah Dokubo-Harry in 2013.

Presiding Judge Justice Boma Diepiri delivered the judgment on Monday after finding the defendants guilty of conspiracy, kidnapping, murder, illegal possession of firearms, and other related offences.

The seven convicts sentenced to death are Precious Jack Opara, Answer Dick, Osaki Fubara, Prince Mikado Philip, Tienabeso George, Seleipri Fubara, and Alaboeriya Fubara.

In a significant development, the court discharged and acquitted Emmanuel Israel and Nephew Philemon of the 25-count charge, ruling that the prosecution failed to establish their involvement in the crimes.

According to evidence presented before the court, the convicts, alongside other suspects still at large, allegedly lured Reverend Dokubo-Harry to a forest in Abalama community in Asari-Toru Local Government Area on December 6, 2013.

The cleric was reportedly kidnapped, blindfolded, and tied before he was eventually killed by his captors. His body was later dumped in a creek within the community—an incident that sparked outrage among residents and religious groups across Rivers State.

In his ruling, Justice Diepiri held that the prosecution successfully proved its case against the seven convicts beyond reasonable doubt. The court subsequently ordered that the firearm recovered during investigations, alongside other exhibits tendered during the trial, be handed over to the Nigerian Police.

The judgment triggered emotional scenes in the courtroom as some of the convicts and their relatives burst into tears moments after the death sentence was pronounced.