Court sentences two to death in Delta for armed robbery, murder
Delta State High Court Sentences Two Men to Death for Armed Robbery and Murder
Efurun, Delta – The Delta State High Court has sentenced two men to death after finding them guilty of conspiracy, armed robbery, and murder. Akpobor Erhianor and Tibra Cornelius, identified as the second and third defendants in case No. EHC/19C/2023, were convicted in relation to a series of violent crimes across the state.
The court acquitted Oghenewegba Cadeton, the fourth defendant, of charges related to belonging to an unlawful society due to insufficient evidence from the prosecution.
Presiding Judge N. Obi noted that the first defendant, Edafe Adu, had entered into a plea bargain with the prosecution and received a prison sentence.
According to the prosecution, led by Assistant Director Phoebian Onomakpome from the Delta State Ministry of Justice, the defendants participated in multiple armed robberies and murders between July and August 2022.
The court heard evidence detailing events from July 26, 2022, when the defendants allegedly robbed car dealer Trust Dick in Okuokoko, stealing a Toyota Camry and a Lexus Jeep. Subsequently, on August 13, 2022, they reportedly robbed another car dealer, Damian Owuchigbo, along Old Airport Road in Effurun, taking a Hyundai SUV and other valuables at gunpoint.
In addition, the prosecution presented evidence that the gang shot and killed two vigilantes during a patrol in Owhase community on August 10, 2022. They also murdered one Godspower Moses on August 23, 2022, before stealing his Mercedes-Benz GLK.
Further allegations included the gang’s involvement in the July 2, 2022, murder of Evans Whiskey Agbaire and the attempted murders of Alfred Orioka and Hon. Festus Ovwata.
After reviewing the evidence, Justice Obi concluded that the prosecution had established its case beyond a reasonable doubt against Erhianor and Cornelius, resulting in their death sentences for the offenses committed.