Justice seems to have been served at last as a slain Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Rivers State fights his killers from his grave
By Chinedu Oguh, Port Harcourt
A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, the state capital has sentenced four secret cult members and a native doctor to death by hanging for the murder of the former Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada East Police Division, SP Bako Amgbashim.
Tentacle gathered that the gallant Police Officer was ambushed, captured and gruesomely murdered on September 8, 2023 by suspected cultists while returning from an operation in Odemude Community, Ahoada East Local Government Area.
The trial judge, Justice Sika Akprioku, also convicted the sixth defendant, Samuel Nwadinma, and sentenced him to three years’ imprisonment for conspiracy, while the third accused person was discharged and acquitted of all four counts of conspiracy, murder, membership of a secret cult group and robbery.
In the judgment, the court further discharged Famous Okechukwu, Samuel Uchendu, Oyekachi Ikonwa, Godbless Nnamdi and Marshall Daniel, the ninth to 13th defendants who were found guilty of membership of a secret cult group, having already served the maximum terms prescribed by the law while in custody they were freed.
Justice Akprioku held that the prosecution proved beyond a reasonable doubt the charges of conspiracy, murder, membership of a secret cult group and robbery against the four convicted persons including a native doctor who prepared the charm allegedly used in killing the late DPO.
The judge ruled that the first defendant, Robinson Sonabari (the native doctor) the second defendant Bright Okparawo, the fourth defendant, Precious Amaeze popularly known as Selina, and the fifth defendant, Loveday Jack, also known as Rugged Excess, be hanged by the neck until they are confirmed dead.
Speaking to Journalists after the judgment, lead prosecution counsel from the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, Chigozie Amadi commended the Judiciary for ensuring that Justice was served.
“Justice is not only seen to have been done but has manifestly seen done. This was a protracted case and we thanked judge as well as both the prosecution and defence counsel.
“It is a capital offence and we work hard to prove case beyond a reasonable doubt. Today, Justice has been served for the gruesome murder of SP Bako Amgbashim,” he said.
Also reacting, counsel for the Principal legal Assistant, Nigeria Police Force, Celestine Dickson, said Police Officers whose duty is to protect lives and property have increasingly become target of criminal gangs expressing hope that the judgment would serve as a deterrent.
Meanwhile, the elder brother of the late DPO, Akasco Amgbashim, who travelled from Nassarawa State to witness the judgment, said the family had endured immense pain since the Officer’s murder.
While commending the judiciary, Rivers State Government and the Nigeria Police Force, he described the judgment as a reminder that no individual has the right to take another person’s life.
“I thank the Federal Government and the Police for standing firm to ensure justice. I also appreciate the Rivers State Government for supporting the Police and the judiciary to carry out their duties effectively” Akasko said.
Our people in Nassarawa State especially the Amgbashim family are grateful and relieved. This judgment should serve as a warning to criminals. A Police Officer exists for the peace and protection of society and it is tragic when such a life is taken.
Now that justice has been done, the lesson for everyone is that we must not take the law into our hands”.
Tentacle further gathered that the four convicted persons were among the 72 suspects initially arraigned before the Rivers State High Court by a Joint prosecution team of the Rivers State Police command over the murder of SP Amgbashim.
As a trial progressed, 61 accused persons, including two first class traditional rulers, the Ekpeye Logbo, Eze Kelvin Anugwo and Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi who also was a former chairman of Ahoada East Local Government Area were discharged and acquitted due to lack of evidence, leaving 13 defendants to face the judgment.
Amgbashim, who was known for his strong stance against cultism, kidnapping and other violent crimes in flash point communities across Rivers State, and earlier served as DPO of Omoku, in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government and Bori police division khana Local Goverment Area where he restored relative peace in several communities before his redeployment to Ahoada East.
His murder prompted a joint security operation led by the then commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, who is now the new Acting Inspector General of Police later resulted in the killing of a suspected leader of a cult group, David Okparanwo also known as 2-Baba in February 2024.
Eze Ekpeye Logbo III Dr. Kelvin Ngozi Anugwo, who expressed delight at the court verdict on SP Amgbashim murder, described the conviction and death sentence of four individuals involved in the murder of SP Bako Amgbashim as a testament to the rule of law and judiciary’s commitment.
The King described the late SP Amgbashim as a fearless and diligent. He said the verdict brings closure to the family and serves as a deterrent. The Ekpeye monarch commended the Police, prosecution and judiciary for ensuring justice.
The monarch assured Ekpeye people and residents that the traditional institution will work with security agencies to ensure safety and security in Ekpeye land. He prayed for the soul of SP Amgbashim to rest in peace.
SP Amgbashim was killed on 8th September 2023 during a Police Operation in Odemude community, Ahoada East Local Government Area. His body was reportedly mutilated, triggered outrage and heightened security operations across the area.
Subsequently joint security operations led to the killing of a suspected cult leader, David Okparanwo also known as “2 Baba” believed to have masterminded the attack.
The judgment brings a major chapter of the case to a close, nearly three years the incident that shook the state and drew national attention.
