Court
A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has convicted and sentenced 7 persons, including twin brothers, to d3ath by hanging for the abduction and murder of Reverend Edwin Isaiah Dokubo-Harry.
Justice Boma Diepiri delivered the judgment on Monday, May 25, 2026 (reported on May 26), after a prolonged trial on a 25-count charge bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping, mürder, unlawful possession of firearms, and related criminal acts.
The court found Precious Jack Opara, Answer Dick, Osaki Fubara, Prince Mikado Philip, Tienabeso George, Seleipri Fubara, and Alaboeriya Fubara guilty. Two other accused persons — Emmanuel Israel and Nephew Philemon — were discharged and acquitted for lack of sufficient evidence.
According to the judgment, on December 6, 2013, the convicts and others still at large lured the cleric to a forest in Abalama community, Asari-Toru Local Government Area. They kidnapped him, blindfolded and tied his hands, leading to his death. His body was later dumped in a creek in the area.
Justice Diepiri ruled that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and sentenced the seven convicts to death by hanging — to be executed by hanging on their necks until confirmed dead.
The court further ordered that the recovered firearm and other exhibits tendered in evidence be handed over to the Nigeria Police Force.
Eyewitnesses in the courtroom described emotional scenes as some of the convicts and their family members broke down in uncontrollable tears immediately after the death sentence was pronounced.
The judgment brings closure to a case that has lingered for over 12 years since the cleric’s abduction and murder in 2013.This development has been welcomed by many in the state who see it as a strong deterrent against kidnapping and violent crimes, especially against religious leaders.
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