An Imo State High Court sitting in Owerri has sentenced a 34-year-old man, Johnbosco Chidera Ashiegbu, to death by hanging for armed robbery and kidnapping committed in Imo and Abia states.
Judgment Details
Delivering judgment on Monday, May 11, Justice C.N. Akowundu found the convict guilty on all eight counts brought against him by the prosecution. Ashiegbu, from Amaiyi Akabo in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo, was arrested by security operatives in 2024 on Okigwe Road, Owerri, while allegedly driving a stolen vehicle.
Confession and Criminal Activities
During investigation, he reportedly confessed to participating in several kidnappings and robberies with members of his gang who are still at large. The court heard that the gang abducted Mr. Rex Edwin Achiefula and his wife in Aba, Abia State, after trailing them to their residence. The victims were dispossessed of their vehicle and $2,800. While the woman was later released, her husband was blindfolded and held captive for about six days before regaining freedom after ransom was allegedly paid.
Another victim, Emmanuel Okezie, was also abducted by the gang on the same day and later released after payment of ransom. The prosecution told the court that ransom payments of N3.7 million and N15 million were allegedly made for the release of the victims.
Specialization in Vehicle Theft
The court further heard that the convict specialised in stealing vehicles and fraudulently transferring ownership documents into his name, while some of the stolen vehicles were allegedly given to members of his family.
Court Ruling
Akowundu held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and noted that the convict showed no remorse throughout the trial. Although the defence counsel pleaded for leniency, arguing that the convict had no previous criminal record and was responsible for his family, the court rejected the appeal. “The gravity of the offences and the absence of remorse do not justify a lighter sentence,” the judge ruled.
The prosecuting counsel, Ikenna Obi, a Senior State Counsel from the state Ministry of Justice, urged the court to apply the full weight of the law on the accused. Ashiegbu was subsequently sentenced to death by hanging on the counts.
