Man Receives 16-Year Sentence For Arson Conviction

Delta Man Receives 16-Year Sentence For Arson Conviction

The court, located in Kwale and led by Justice O.F. Enenmo, handed down the verdict, specifying that the sentences of 10 years and six years will run concurrently……… CONTINUE READING

Two co-defendants in the case, Efajemue Israel and Aziakpono Prince Eseoghene, were acquitted on all charges.

The three accused—Efajemue Israel, Aziakpono Prince Eseoghene, and Omote Efe—faced seven counts including conspiracy to commit arson, arson, and malicious damage, as per sections 516, 443, and 451 of the Criminal Code Laws, C21, Volume 1, and Delta State Laws of Nigeria 2006.

The prosecution, led by Patrick Okoh from the Delta State Ministry of Justice, presented six witnesses and 10 exhibits. The defendants were alleged to have collaborated with others, who are still at large, to carry out these crimes on April 15, 2023, in Ibrede, Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Delta State.

It was alleged that the defendants deliberately set fire to buildings and destroyed properties, including vehicles, owned by HRH Aruhor Mowe Gregory, Itive Ovie John, Akpokieren Blessing, and Victor Akokomebe.

The accused denied the charges during the trial. The court found that the prosecution had proven the conspiracy and arson charges against the first defendant beyond a reasonable doubt. Consequently, the first defendant was sentenced to six years for conspiracy and ten years for arson, with hard labor.

However, the first defendant was acquitted on the malicious damage charges. The second and third defendants were fully acquitted of all charges.