A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has sentenced four persons to death by hanging for their roles in the brutal killing of Deputy Superintendent of Police Bako Angbashim, who was the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada East Local Government Area.
Delivering judgment, Justice Sika Aprioku found the defendants guilty of conspiracy, murder, armed robbery, and membership of a secret cult, ruling that the prosecution established its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The court heard that the late officer was murdered on September 8, 2023, during a security operation in Odiemude community, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State. His body was later mutilated, an act that sparked widespread outrage and prompted a major joint security crackdown in the area.
Those sentenced to death are Robinson Sonebari, identified as a native doctor alleged to have prepared charms used during the attack; Bright Okparawo; Precious Amaeze, also known as Selina; and Loveday Jack, popularly called Rugged Excess. The court ordered that they be hanged by the neck until pronounced dead.
In the same judgment, the sixth defendant, Samuel Nwadinma, was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for conspiracy, while the third accused person was discharged and acquitted on all counts.
Five other defendants, Famous Okechukwu, Samuel Uchendu, Oyekachi Ikonwa, Godbless Nnamdi, and Marshall Daniel, were found guilty of cult-related offences but were discharged, having already spent the statutory period in custody.
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Justice Aprioku held that the evidence before the court revealed a carefully coordinated plot that led to the killing of a police officer who was lawfully carrying out his duty to protect lives and property.
The prosecution team was led by Chigozie Amadi of the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, alongside police legal officer Celestine Dickson.
Reacting to the verdict, the prosecutors praised the judiciary for what they described as a firm and courageous decision, expressing hope that it would deter attacks on law enforcement personnel. Dickson said the judgment sent a strong message that crimes against security officers would not go unpunished.
Also present in court was Akasco Angbashim, elder brother of the slain officer, who travelled from Nasarawa State to witness the proceedings. He described the judgment as a huge relief to the family, saying justice had finally been achieved.
The case emerged from a broader investigation in which 72 suspects were initially arrested. Of that number, 61 persons, including some traditional rulers and community leaders were earlier discharged for lack of evidence, leaving 13 defendants to face trial.
