NIGERIA: TWO PERSONS SENTENCED TO DEATH FOR KILLING SEX WORKER

February 10, 2022:

A State High Court, Ontisha, Anambra State, on 9 February 2022 sentenced two men to death for killing a sex worker.
The two men – Valentine Umezinwa and Emeka Okolonji- killed the woman identified as Blessing Eze.
The judge, D.A. Onyefulu, said the prosecution established beyond reasonable doubt that the defendants were guilty as charged.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the defendants had been arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder.
According to the prosecution, the accused persons lured, murdered, and dumped the deceased’s corpse at Dennis Memorial Grammar School roundabout axis in Onitsha.
Mr Onyefulu, on 3 February, adjourned the sentencing to 9 February, in accordance with a new law in Anambra State.
“The counsel to the defendants has not shown enough reason why justice should be tampered with mercy.
“And the counsel has the option to appeal as well as go through the Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy as the Governor has the final say on the matter,” he said.
The Prosecutor, N.S. Emeka, while speaking to journalists on the judgment, said justice had been served on the deceased, the state and to the convicts.
Also reacting, the defence counsel, Chimezie Okeke, said they received the judgment with open heart.
According to him, they would approach the Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy and would also appeal the judgment.