An Ebonyi State High Court has sentenced four men to death by hanging for the murder of 26-year-old businessman, Chinonso Elon.
The convicts — Anthony Elom, Chibueze Onwe, Chukwuemeka Ugadu, and Uchenna Odono — were found guilty of conspiracy and murder.
Delivering the judgment on Friday, Justice Esther Otah ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Justice Otah noted that forensic analysis confirmed the gun recovered from the defendants had been used on February 5, 2023 — a day before the incident. “May God save your souls,” she said while delivering the sentence.
According to the prosecution, the convicts, along with a fifth suspect, ThankGod Onwe (still at large), drove a branded Sienna van to Mr. Elon’s business premises near the Okwo Ngbo Main Market on February 6, 2023.
They allegedly demanded information about the victim’s younger brother, with whom they had a dispute.
When Elon failed to provide the information, they attempted to force him into the vehicle. Upon his resistance, he was shot in the head with a shotgun and died at the scene.
Defense counsel Chinedu Uwa said he would appeal the ruling, while prosecutor Oluchi Ibiam of the Ebonyi State Ministry of Justice expressed satisfaction, calling the judgment a true reflection of justice.
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