The trial judge, Justice Boma Diepiri, delivered the judgment on Monday after finding the defendants guilty of conspiracy, kidnapping, murder, illegal possession of firearms and other related offences.
A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, South South Nigeria, has sentenced seven persons, including twin brothers, to death by hanging over the abduction and murder of Reverend Edwin Isaiah Dokubo-Harry in 2013.
The trial judge, Justice Boma Diepiri, delivered the judgment on Monday after finding the defendants guilty of conspiracy, kidnapping, murder, illegal possession of firearms and other related offences.
Those sentenced to death are Precious Jack Opara, Answer Dick, Osaki Fubara, Prince Mikado Philip, Tienabeso George, Seleipri Fubara and Alaboeriya Fubara.
The court, however, discharged and acquitted Emmanuel Isreal and Nephew Philemon of the 25-count charge after ruling that the prosecution failed to establish their involvement in the crimes.
According to evidence presented before the court, the convicts, alongside other suspects still at large, lured Reverend Dokubo-Harry to a forest in Abalama community in Asari-Toru Local Government Area on December 6, 2013.
The cleric was reportedly kidnapped, blindfolded and tied up before he was eventually killed by his captors.
His body was later dumped in a creek within the community, sparking outrage and grief among residents and religious groups in Rivers State.
In his ruling, Justice Diepiri held that the prosecution had proved its case against the seven convicts beyond reasonable doubt.
The judge subsequently sentenced all seven defendants to death by hanging.
Source: Sahara Reporters
