Nearly eight years after the killing of Delta State University (DELSU) student, Elozino Ogege, a Delta State High Court sitting in Ogwashi-Uku has sentenced two men to death by hanging for their roles in the crime.
Justice Ngozi Azinge delivered the judgment on Wednesday, convicting Macaulay Oghenemaro and Enike Onoriode after finding them guilty of kidnapping and murdering the 300-level Mass Communication student.
The case, which began in 2018, attracted nationwide attention following the abduction and death of Ogege, whose disappearance and subsequent murder sparked public outrage.
Five suspects were initially brought before the court in 2019 on charges bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping and murder. However, two of the accused persons died during the lengthy trial, leaving three defendants to face the final judgment.
After carefully reviewing the evidence presented by the prosecution and defence teams, Justice Azinge ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the allegations against Benedict Uche, a security guard who was among the defendants. He was consequently discharged and acquitted of all charges.
The court, however, held that the evidence against Oghenemaro and Onoriode was strong enough to establish their involvement in the crime.
The two men were convicted on four counts, including kidnapping and murder, receiving additional prison sentences on some charges before the death penalty was imposed for the murder offence.
The prosecution welcomed the judgment, describing it as a landmark decision in the fight against violent crimes and killings linked to criminal activities. Counsel said the ruling would serve as a warning to those involved in similar offences.
For Elozino Ogege’s family, the verdict marked the end of years of emotional pain and uncertainty as they sought justice for their daughter.
Meanwhile, Benedict Uche expressed relief after his acquittal, thanking the court for clearing his name. He said he was eager to return to his family after years of defending himself against the allegations.
The two convicted men have been returned to the Ogwashi-Uku Custodial Centre pending any appeal process and further legal procedures.
The judgment brings closure to one of Delta State’s most closely followed criminal cases and reinforces the role of the judiciary in addressing serious crimes through due process.
