A High Court 1, sitting in Idah in Kogi State presided by Justice Ajayi, has convicted and sentenced one Ocholi Edicha for the killing of Mrs. Salome Abuh, the woman leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
However, lawyers from the Ministry of Justice and the Solicitor General’s office have vowed to challenge the ruling, describing it as a surprise and not enough punishment for the offences committed.
Barr. Otigbe Joseph said the judgment was a surprise, saying it would be challenged as the sentence cannot be equated to the offences committed which bothered on killing.
The defendant was arraigned on the offences of criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, mischief by fire and culpable homicide.
Delivering his judgment, Justice Ajayi convicted the suspect for culpable homicide not punishable with death.
During the trial, the prosecution had called five witnesses while the court agreed with oral testimony and eyewitness account alongside statement made to the Nigeria Police and held it to be sufficient to secure the conviction of the defendant.
The defendant denied making a statement to the Nigeria Police but was quick to challenge and accept some aspect of the statement.
It would be recalled that the deceased, Mrs. Abuh was shot and set ablaze at her resident in Ochadamu in Ofu Local Government Area, Kogi State on November 18, 2019.
The court convicted and sentenced the defendant to 12 years and 6 months imprisonment.
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