Rita Odafe
In a recent ruling, a man named Onuwa Oliseh Ijie has been given the death penalty by a High Court in Asaba, Delta State, for the murder of seven-year-old twin boys, Chidalu and Chigozie Agwunobi, in a suspected ritual killing. His accomplice, Nwanozie Uzor, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for his involvement in the crime. Both offenders are related to the victims.
The trial, managed by Deputy Director Paula Akpoguma from the Ministry of Justice, featured evidence from five witnesses supporting the prosecution’s case.
A press statement from the Public Relations Officer of the state Ministry of Justice, Onoriode Etatsemi, confirmed the court’s decision based on the compelling testimony provided by the witnesses.
The prosecution recounted the unfortunate events that unfolded on March 5, 2020, when the defendants enticed the twin boys to a secluded area, where they mutilated them and took their body parts to a traditional healer in Aguleri, Anambra State.
“The defendants initially attempted to abduct the boys from their school but were thwarted by a vigilant teacher,” shared a source.
Ruling on the case, Justice Marshal-Umukoro emphasized that the evidence established the guilt of the defendants beyond doubt. The court highlighted that the first defendant initiated the heinous act by introducing the idea to the second defendant, paving the way for the tragic events to unfold.
The court also stressed the credibility of the evidence presented by the investigating officer, asserting its admissibility.
Following the ruling, the prosecuting counsel Akpoguma expressed satisfaction with the verdict, underscoring the importance of upholding justice and commending the efficacy of the legal system.
