The Anambra State High Court sitting in Otuocha, presided over by Justice Tagbo Anieto, has sentenced one Nduka Anekwe to death by firing squad after finding him guilty of conspiracy and murder over an attack that claimed the life of Victor Orjor in 2020.
Angel Network News (ANN) gathered that the incident occurred on April 20, 2020, at MBA Farm, 3-3, Onitsha, when Mrs. Onuabuchi Iwunze was allegedly attacked by four men armed with a dagger, an axe and a 2×2 plank studded with sharp nails.
According to evidence presented before the court, the victim, who was reportedly being brutally assaulted, managed to call her elder sister for help. Her sister subsequently contacted their elder brother, Victor Orjor, who lived within the same farm settlement.
However, Victor’s attempt to rescue his sister ended tragically as the attackers allegedly turned on him upon his arrival, restrained him, beat him severely and stabbed him in the joint of his right hand.
He sustained multiple injuries and was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Following investigations, two suspects were arrested and charged in the case of State v. Chinagorom Obasi Peter and Nduka Anekwe, Charge No. OT/2C/2021.
However, the first defendant reportedly escaped from detention during the #EndSARS protest and has remained at large, while Anekwe was tried separately and subsequently convicted.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by Chief State Counsel, Cyril Ubah, of the Anambra State Ministry of Justice, called five witnesses, including two eyewitnesses who gave accounts of how the attack occurred. The defence, on its part, presented four witnesses.
In its judgment, the court held that the prosecution had established all the ingredients of conspiracy and murder beyond reasonable doubt, describing the eyewitness testimonies as consistent and unshaken.
Consequently, Justice Anieto convicted Anekwe and sentenced him to death by firing squad.
Meanwhile, sources informed the press that investigations are ongoing, as other suspects allegedly connected to the incident remain at large.
