High Court sitting in Akwukwu-Igbo Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State has sentenced one Obinna Eze to death for killing a six-month-old boy, Chimaobi Igwe.

The court presided over by Justice Marcel Okoh convicted and sentenced Obinna Eze to death by hanging on Thursday.

The defendant was arraigned before the court on a three-count charge for the offences of attempted murder, murder and causing grievous bodily harm, punishable under Sections 320, 319 and 335 respectively of the Criminal Code Laws of Delta State.

The prosecution was conducted by the State Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr Omamuzo Erebe, who led other counsel in the matter.

“In proof of its case, the prosecution called three witnesses and tendered two exhibits.

“We called PW1, Mrs Blessing Igwe, the mother of the deceased baby. She told the court that on 27th October 2023, she had a disagreement over a missing phone belonging to the Defendant.

“The defendant, who was her co-tenant at Talitha Street, off Okpanam Road Asaba, attacked her with a cutlass and inflicted several cuts on her and on the head of her six-month-old baby.

“She told the court that she and her son were rushed to the hospital for treatment. The deceased, however, died a week later from the injuries inflicted on him.

The PW2, Dr Emmanuel Egbuduka, a pathologist who conducted an autopsy on the body of the deceased told the court that the cause of death was as a result of three deep penetrating injuries to the head caused by a sharp object such as a cutlass,” the prosecutor said.

The defendant was also led by his Counsel P.C. Onubah Esq. to testify in his defence and called no witness.

Delivering judgement, Justice Marcel Okoh said the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

He said, “The eye witness evidence of the deceased’s mother PW1, the evidence of the pathologist PW2, and the confessional statement of the Defendant made to the investigation Police officer, all established the case of the prosecution beyond a reasonable doubt.

“The court rejected the defendant’s denial in his testimony before the court and his retraction of the confessional statement. The court then sentenced the defendant to death by hanging for the murder of Chimaobi Igwe.”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has warned criminals in the nation’s capital that he is prepared for them.

He charged security agencies in the Federal Capital Territory to work towards making the city safe for residents to enjoy the end-of-year festivities.

The minister made this statement during the FCT Security Committee meeting held on Friday, December 20, 2024, ahead of the Yuletide.

“Normally, criminals try to take advantage and make it uncomfortable for our citizens. I believe we are prepared to provide security for everyone,” he said.

“We have to continue to be vigilant to ensure that there is no room for anyone to manipulate the situation. The people in Abuja must sleep with both eyes closed and be able to run their businesses.”

The Benue State Government led by Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has announced the successful clearance of the outstanding 35 months of Earned Allowances and Earned Academic Allowances for staff at Benue State University, (BSU), Makurdi.

A statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary Tersoo Kula and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Friday said that varsity workers’ struggle for Earned Allowances and Earned Academic Allowances had a history dating back to 2010, when an agreement was reached for commencement of implementation.

It said successive administrations did their best but the matter lingered for long with a series of industrial actions, until Governor Hyacinth Alia recently intervened.

According to the statement, “This notable accomplishment reflects the Governor’s unwavering commitment to fostering the quality of education and ensuring that our educators are adequately remunerated for their inestimable contributions.

“The Earned Allowances vary based on the length of employment, recognizing the diverse tenures of our lecturers.”

It explained that while some have been with the university since the commencement of the contract, others joined the institution after the arrangement was established.

“We recognize that not every lecturer received the same amount, but the administration is committed to making sure all educators receive their due endowment.

“Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia’s vision for quality education in Benue State is steadfast.

“By prioritizing the welfare of our educators, we are enhancing a society where they can focus totally on delivering the best educational experience to our students. This action is among a broader strategy to redefine governance and enhance the educational landscape in our state.

“We fervently invite all stakeholders, parents, community leaders, educational bodies, and the public to support the governor’s unwavering energies to redeem and redefine Benue State.

“Together, we can reconstruct a hearty educational system that properly certifies both our lecturers and students to deliver. This way, we have worked towards a brighter tomorrow for our state and its populace,” the statement said.