Murder Of Barr Osobase: Five Sentenced To Death In Court Trial That Saw One Acquitted

Benin City, Edo Nigeria — Six years after the kidnapping and brutal murder of Barr. Iyoha Osobase, judgement was delivered on Wednesday with the sentencing to death of five of the six accused persons by presiding Judge of State Civil High Court 2, Hon. Justice Efe Ikponmwonba.

Late Barr. Iyoha Osobase, was allegedly murdered on May 9, 2020, in Aduwawa, Benin City, Edo State of Nigeria.

In the judgment in the case with Charge No. B/CD/136C/22 (The State v. Valentine Dibie & 5 Ors), the second defendant, Solomon Esuike, secured an acquittal. He was represented by Douglas Ogbankwa,Esq., Leading; A.P Uzor,Esq. and S.A Idemudia,Esq.

Solomon Esuike was completely discharged and acquitted of all charges.

The five co-defendants including, Valentine Dibie, Solomon Esuike, Solomon Onobun, Ambrose Amadi, Enoma Okunoghae and Saturday Imagbe were convicted and handed severe punishments, including 14-year jail terms and death by hanging.

Late Barr. Iyoha Osobase was abducted on May 9, 2020, beaten to death and buried in a shallow grave. The murder sent a sent a shock wave through the legal community which had to contend with the unfortunate incident.

Legal analysts are calling the outcome a masterclass in criminal proceedings. In multi-defendant murder trials with immense state interest, securing a sole acquittal while all co-defendants face the gallows requires an ironclad, strategic dismantling of the prosecution’s evidence, Barr. Douglas Ogbankwa said following the judgement.

The case had a checkered history of several hearings, feeding of witnesses and forensic examination on all sides.

The prosecution was conducted by Orobosa Okunbor, Esq., a former Director of Public Prosecution of Edo State, said to have put in a lot of legal artistry to secure the conviction of the convicts.

After six grueling years in custody and legal limbo, Solomon Esuike, the second defendant walked out of the courtroom a cleared and completely free man.