The tragedy that struck the Ubulu-Uku community in 2016 has finally found some form of justice, with the recent decision of the Delta State High Court in Ibusa to sentence three men to death for the kidnapping and murder of Obi Edward Akaeze Ofulue III, the traditional ruler of the area. After nearly nine years of trial, Suleiman Musa, Garba Abubakar and Haruna were found guilty of their roles in the heinous crime, while the first accused, Jemilu Ahmed, was sentenced to five years in prison and an additional 14 years for other related offences.
The memory of that fateful night when Obi Ofulue was abducted by gunmen in January 2016 still remains fresh in the minds of residents of the area. His sudden demise has plunged the community into mourning and uncertainty, leaving a void that is hard to fill. The discovery of her body shortly after the abduction triggered an intense investigation to unravel the circumstances of the brutal crime.
The evidence presented during the trial irrefutably demonstrated the direct involvement of the accused in the gruesome murder, which also involved charges of kidnapping and robbery. Justice M.O. Omovie, in his verdict, confirmed that the prosecution had proven the charges against the four accused beyond reasonable doubt.
“The court finds the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th accused guilty as charged,” it said. “The first accused is sentenced to five years imprisonment, with an additional 14 years for related offences, to be served concurrently. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th accused are sentenced to death by hanging.” Prosecutor J.E. Odogun, who presided over the case, welcomed the judgment, noting that the accused conspired to kidnap, rob and murder the late monarch.
The court ruling closes a dark chapter in the history of the Ubulu-Uku community, providing some semblance of redress for the trauma inflicted by the tragic loss of Obi Ofulue. However, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of the rule of law and individual accountability in a just and equitable society. By sentencing the perpetrators to capital punishment, the court has sent a strong message denouncing violence and crime, while reminding that no one is above the law.