Solomon Abuede, James Monday, and Kelvin Edward have been sentenced to death by hanging by Hon Justice R. Irele-Ifijeh of Benin High Court.
Their crimes of armed robbery, kidnapping, and murder, perpetrated against Ephraim Akhere in Ihumudumun Quarters, Ekpoma, shook the community on June 13, 2014.
The court also handed a life imprisonment sentence to Oviasogie Sunday for his role in receiving stolen property, namely an Infinity Jeep belonging to the late Akhere.
These severe sentences underscored the gravity of their offences under Section 3 of the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law of Edo State 2013 and the Armed Robbery and Fire Arms Act.
During the trial, the judge highlighted the damning evidence against Abuede, Monday, and Edward, including confessional statements and eyewitness testimony.
Justice Irele-Ifijeh meticulously detailed the harrowing events of the crime, where the perpetrators, armed with dangerous weapons, kidnapped their victims and subjected them to unimaginable horrors.
Abuede, the mastermind behind the heinous act, not only orchestrated Akhere’s murder, but also subjected Sandra, a prosecution witness, to unspeakable trauma.
Despite Sandra’s plea, Abuede callously raped her after sparing her life.
The court’s decision brought closure to a community plagued by fear and uncertainty, sending a strong message that such atrocities will not be tolerated.
While two others were discharged due to lack of evidence, the convictions of Abuede, Monday, Edward, and Sunday served as a reminder that justice prevailed even in the face of heinous crimes.
