A Delta State High Court sitting in Ogwashi-Uku has sentenced two men to death by hanging for the abduction and murder of Delta State University (DELSU) student, Elozino Ogege, nearly eight years after the crime shocked the nation.
Justice Ngozi Azinge delivered the judgment, bringing to a close the prolonged trial over the killing of the 300-level Mass Communication undergraduate, who was murdered in November 2018.
According to Channels Television, five suspects were arraigned in 2019 on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping and murder. However, two of the defendants died before the trial was concluded, leaving three to face judgment.
The court discharged and acquitted Benedict Uche, a security guard, after ruling that the prosecution failed to establish a case against him.
Justice Azinge, however, found Macaulay Oghenemaro and Enike Onoriode guilty on four counts, including kidnapping and murder. In addition to prison terms ranging from seven years to life imprisonment on separate counts, both men were sentenced to death by hanging for Ogege’s murder.
The prosecution described the verdict as a significant milestone in the fight against ritual-related killings and violent crimes, expressing hope that it would serve as a deterrent to others.
For Ogege’s family, the judgment brings a measure of closure after years of legal proceedings.
Reacting to his acquittal, Uche thanked the court for clearing his name, saying he looked forward to reuniting with his wife and three children after years of facing the allegations.
The two convicted men have been returned to the Ogwashi-Uku Custodial Centre, where they will remain pending any appeal and the execution of the sentence.
The judgment concludes one of Delta State’s most high-profile homicide cases and underscores the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring accountability for serious criminal offences.
