In a landmark ruling on Monday, a Rivers State High Court has acquitted 12 travellers who had faced allegations of murdering a female police officer, Inspector Christiana Erekere, during a checkpoint incident in April 2024.
Justice Augusta Chukwu, who presided over the case at the Port Harcourt High Court, held that the prosecution failed to establish the guilt of the defendants beyond a reasonable doubt.
As part of the judgment, the court awarded each of the acquitted individuals N1 million in compensation for their 18-month detention, which was deemed unlawful.
The defendants identified as Efeoghene Uwheraka (the groom), Joy Uwhereka, Shirley Wealth, Napoleon Uwhereka, Ejiro Ejogbamu, Moses Agege, Precious Iyota, Kikelomo Odusanya, Wealth Ojoh, Ighofose Oke, Blessing Ovie, and Emeka Joshua, were reportedly traveling to Akwa Ibom State for a wedding when the incident occurred.
The confrontation reportedly began after police officers questioned one of the vehicles’ documents at a checkpoint in Bori, Khana Local Government Area.
In her judgment, Justice Chukwu pointed out inconsistencies and contradictions in the testimonies of six prosecution witnesses, noting that much of the evidence was hearsay and did not directly link the travellers to the officer’s death.
The judge also cited the autopsy report, which indicated that Inspector Erekere’s death resulted from an underlying medical condition, not injuries sustained during the stop-and-search operation.
Following the ruling, the lawyers representing the defendants hailed the verdict as a victory for justice.
Sunny Nwokoro, counsel for the first and third defendants, emphasised that “murder must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, not based on emotions,” praising the court for upholding this principle.
Robert Uye-Awaji, another defence lawyer, described the decision as a vindication of the legal process, noting that the acquittal was grounded on substantive legal scrutiny rather than technicalities.
Prosecuting counsel Celestine Dickson expressed dismay over the ruling and indicated that the prosecution would consult with police authorities before determining any further legal action.
“It is shocking that a group of travellers could allegedly attack a police officer, yet the court found no grounds for conviction. We will carefully review the judgment,” he said.
The ruling elicited contrasting reactions from the families involved. While relatives of the acquitted travellers celebrated in relief, the family of the late officer was visibly distressed.
Erekere’s daughters, Rita and Fortune, rejected the court’s finding, insisting that their mother was a victim of foul play.
Her brother, Amanikpo Bariledum, vowed to pursue an appeal, condemning the acquittal as unjust.
The case has drawn widespread attention in Rivers State, highlighting the challenges in securing convictions in high-profile cases involving law enforcement personnel and the delicate balance between due process and public sentiment.
