Four Sentenced to Death for Murder of Rivers DPO

In a significant ruling, the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt sentenced four individuals to death by hanging for the murder of former Division Police Officer (DPO) Bako Amgbashim, who was killed on September 8, 2023. The court found that Amgbashim was gruesomely murdered and dismembered during a police operation in Odemud Community, Ahoada East Local Government Area.

The trial judge, Justice Sika Aprioku, confirmed that the prosecution team proved the charges of conspiracy to commit murder, membership in a secret cult, and robbery against the four convicts, including a native doctor involved in preparing charms for the murder. The defendants, Robinson Sonabari, Bright Okparawo, Precious Amaez, and Lovedai Jack, received the death sentence, while Samuel Nwadinma was sentenced to three years for conspiracy.

The court discharged and acquitted several others due to lack of evidence. The judgment was commended by legal representatives and the family of the deceased, emphasizing the need for justice in the community.