Anambra State High Court in Onitsha has sentenced three former police officers to life imprisonment for the murder of Chukwunonso Uchenwoke, a 42-year-old man from Mbosi in Ihiala LGA, during his arrest over alleged assault and malicious damage.
The incident occurred on May 14, 2016, at No. 13 Ibe Street, East Niger Layout, Okpoko, Ogbaru Council Area. The convicted officers, Juliet Ekwueme, Ugochukwu Obiakor, and Raphael Chike, were subsequently dismissed from the Nigerian Police Force following the incident.
Presiding Judge, Justice A.O. Okuma, ruled that the prosecution had proven the case beyond a reasonable doubt. The officers were found guilty of conspiracy and murder, in violation of Sections 495(a) and 274(I) of the Criminal Code Cap 36 Volume II, Revised Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria 1991, as amended.
The court sentenced each of the defendants to seven years imprisonment for conspiracy and life imprisonment for manslaughter.
Reacting to the verdict, Prosecutor C.J. Okeke hailed the judgment as a victory for justice, emphasizing that it serves as a reminder that justice can still be achieved.
Counsel for the first defendant, G.A. Oluwatuase, announced plans to appeal the judgment. Meanwhile, counsel for the second defendant, C.E. Ezenwa, and counsel for the third defendant, C.J. Agbata, stated they would review the judgment before deciding on their next course of action.
