Vigilante Commander Sentenced To Death By Hanging For Shooting Victim

KINGSLEY EBERE 

In a landmark judgement, the High Court of Anambra State, Aguata Judicial Division, has sentenced the Vigilante Commander of Awgbu, Orumba North Local Government of Anambra State, Ifeanyi Enemuo, to death by hanging for the alleged brutal murder of Chukwujekwu Okonkwo.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the  High Court convicted Ifeanyi Enemuo and sentenced him accordingly in the suit with number  AG/14c/2024.

The presiding judge, Justice Fidel Aniukwu, found Enemuo guilty for murder under the Criminal Law of the State and sentenced him to death by hanging.

The  prosecution, led by Assistant Director Public Prosecutions, P. N. Ofoma Esq., told the Court that on 28th December, 2023, during the community’s Christmas celebration in Ogbu Center at Awgbu, Enemuo and his men had arrested a suspect for disturbing the peace in the area. They manhandled and tortured the suspect when Chukwujekwu Okonkwo and other bystanders intervened requesting that they desist from the torture of their suspect.

The commander, Enemuo, threatened to deal with Chukwujekwu Okonkwo. In reply, Chukwujekwu said that Enemuo cannot do anything. Enemuo then shot him with a pump-action gun on the chest, killing him instantly.

The prosecutor, P. N. Ofoma, argued that Enemuo’s actions were premeditated, and the ingredients of the offence of murder were clearly established, despite Enemuo’s claim of accidental discharge.

The Court found him guilty. Justice Aniukwu delivered a scathing judgment, emphasising that the prosecution had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt and sentenced him accordingly.

“This verdict sends a strong message that the State will not tolerate abuse of power and lawlessness, particularly from law enforcement officials. The Ministry of Justice has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring justice is served.”

“The diligence and dexterity of P. N. Ofoma and the prosecution team are unflinching and do not go unnoticed.” the judge stated.