Uchendu Mark – Port Harcourt
Three out of nine persons who were linked to the kidnap of Dr Alexander Akani, a consultant with the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and murder of Deyspring Braide, former Head of Administration of Asari Tori local government council, have been sentenced to death.
The convicts, Kingdom Worlu-Chuku, Uchendu MacPherson-Elindam and Obinna Chuku, were sentenced to death by hanging.
They were handed a six count charge of kidnapping and murder Braide of sometime in July 2015 at Degema.
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In count three, four and five of the charges which bothers on conspirancy, possession of illegal fire arms, Godsknows Wokem, Promise Jim, Kingdom Worlu-Chuku, Uchendu MacPherson-Elindam and Obinna Chuku
were convicted and sentenced to life in imprisonment without option of fine.
The trail Judge, James Omotosho of Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, ruled that for count one, the five defendants are convicted and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment without option of fine.
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Omotosho also ruled that on count two which was seizure and detention as well as demand of N1.6 million ransom from Dr Alexander Akani by the same set of individuals are convicted and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment without option of fine.
The sixth to ninth defendants who are Henry Elebiga, Destiny Chidiebere-Wosu, Stanley Ibuchi-Wosu and Elizabeth Chuku were discharged and acquitted.
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Counsel to two of the convicted persons Opoyebo Barango who also represented two of the acquitted while commending the judge in his well considered judgment, told newsmen that he will consult with the families of his clients to know the next line of action in ensure that the convicted.
The convicted persons are were arrested and arraigned by the Department of Security Services under Anti Terrorism Act on 20th of September, 2017 for kidnapping Dr Alexander Akani at his residence in Aluu on 28th of June, 2017 while the former Head of Administration of Asari Tori Local Government Council, Deyspring Braide was kidnapped and murdered in 2015.
