Kidnappers of Delta Magistrate to die by hanging

Two persons were yesterday sentenced to death by hanging, by an Asaba High Court, having been found guilty of kidnapping and robbing a female magistrate at gunpoint on Boxing Day, two years ago.

The duo of Saidu Haruna and Raphael Egwuba , who were arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, and armed robbery on charge no A/37C/2012 claimed to be phone technicians and welder at Osubi, respectively.

The court was told by the prosecution that, the female Magistrate was driving into her compound in the afternoon of December 26, 2011,when she was kidnapped by the armed men.

The kidnappers took her to a forest where she was dispossessed of everything with her. Her ATM card was also taken away, and it was gathered that they used the ATM card to withdraw some undisclosed amount of money before they were traced and arrested.

In proving its case, the prosecution called two witnesses, including the victim (female magistrate). Some exhibits were also tendered before the court, including the magistrate’s Blackberry phone, which was used to track down the criminals.

The trial judge (identity withheld) while passing the sentence yesterday said,: “I disbelieve the evidence of the first and second accused persons as their testimonies were full of contradictions and meant to cover their tracks.

“From the totality of the evidence before this court, I hold that the first and second accused persons were involved in the kidnapping and robbing of one Onoriode Yvonne Asheshe of her Honda Pilot SUV, ATM card, jewelries and BlackBerry phone, while armed with a gun.

“I hold that prosecution has proved ingredients of counts one, two and three against the accused beyond reasonable doubt.

“For count three (armed robbery), I hereby sentence the accused persons for execution by hanging on the neck until they be dead. May God have mercy on their souls.”