Delta Court Sentences 24-Year-Old Man to Death for Murder of Classmate
A Delta State High Court sitting in Kwale has delivered a decisive verdict, sentencing a 24-year-old man, Ebinum Prosper, to death by hanging for the murder of his classmate, Ojieh Chibogu, in Ugiliama Community. The conviction was handed down by Justice F. Enemor of High Court No. 2, Kwale, on Monday, March 2, 2026, after the court found the defendant guilty of murder beyond reasonable doubt.
Details of the Crime and Trial
The prosecution, led by Mrs. Catherine O. Onoberhie-Oberuomo, an Assistant Director in the Delta State Ministry of Justice, presented evidence that the incident occurred on June 29, 2016, at Ugiliama Community in Kwale. According to court proceedings, the defendant stabbed the deceased with a knife following a misunderstanding, which tragically led to Chibogu's death. The case, filed under Suit No. HCK/89C/2022, State vs. Ebinum Prosper, faced significant hurdles during its legal journey.
Initially handled in Asaba, the trial was disrupted during the 2020 EndSARS protests when court documents and exhibits already tendered in the case were destroyed in a fire incident while the matter was at the address stage. This setback necessitated a fresh start for the prosecution.
Overcoming Legal Challenges
Following the creation of the Kwale Criminal Division, the prosecution applied for the case to be transferred back to Kwale for a new trial (trial de novo), as it originated from the area. To facilitate this, certified true copies of processes from the original case file were obtained from the High Court Registry in Asaba, allowing for the reconstruction and transfer of a duplicate file to Kwale. This meticulous effort ensured that justice could proceed despite the earlier destruction of evidence.
After the prosecution closed its case, the defence took over one year to open its defence, adding to the protracted nature of the proceedings. However, in his judgment delivered on Monday, Justice Enemor firmly held that the prosecution had successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, leading to the conviction.
Verdict and Implications
Justice Enemor consequently convicted Ebinum Prosper for murder and sentenced him to death by hanging. This ruling underscores the judiciary's commitment to upholding the law and delivering justice in serious criminal cases, even when faced with obstacles such as lost evidence and procedural delays. The case highlights the resilience of the legal system in Delta State in ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes are held accountable for their actions.
