The Court of Appeal, Awka Division in Anambra State, has affirmed the conviction of Chizoba Ede to death by hanging for armed robbery by an Anambra High Court.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that in a landmark judgment on 15th June, 2022, the trial Court judge, Justice Victoria Nwoye, had found Ede guilty and sentenced him to death by hanging.
However, the convict appealed the judgment, but the the Appeal Court has now affirmed the judgement of the High Court presided by Justice Nwoye.
The prosecution said Ede and four accomplices, armed with firearms and offensive weapons, attacked a victim along Upper Iweka, Onitsha, while in transit.
During the attack, the victim was stabbed, suffered severe hand injuries, and was dispossessed of money and valuables.
The Court heard the victim later spotted the suspects fleeing in a vehicle and raised an alarm, attracting attention from the driver and passersby.
Public intervention and local vigilante operatives made Ede’s arrest possible, while other suspects escaped.
Following his arrest, Ede reportedly made confessional statements and led the Police to the gang’s hideout, where only the victim’s identity card was recovered.
“Based on the evidence presented, the trial court convicted and sentenced him accordingly,” the court held.
Dissatisfied, the appellant challenged the verdict, citing inadequate legal representation and improper evaluation of evidence.
However, the Appellate Court dismissed the appeal, ruling that the trial Court properly assessed the evidence and ensured fair hearing.
“The appellant’s right to fair hearing was not violated as he was adequately represented,” the court ruled.
The court consequently upheld the conviction and sentenced him accordingly.
It was not certain if the convict will file another appeal at the Supreme Court.