Tricycle Operator Sentenced to Death for Murder in Anambra

On a date specified as November 17, 2019, in Anambra State, Makua Ezik, a commercial tricycle operator, was found guilty of murdering Jude Onwuegbuchunam by the High Court presided over by Justice Lauretta Oyeka. The incident occurred along the Oba, Obosi, Nkpor, and Umuoji road, where Ezik, alongside gang members, attempted to rob Onwuegbuchunam during his journey.

When Onwuegbuchunam resisted and raised an alarm, Ezik and his gang fled the scene, abandoning their tricycle. Onwuegbuchunam sustained fatal injuries and died two days later.

The prosecution presented five witnesses, including a medical doctor who confirmed that the victim's death resulted directly from the injuries sustained. Despite the defense arguing the lack of eyewitnesses, Justice Oyeka concluded that the circumstantial evidence, including Ezik's confession and the circumstances surrounding the abandoned tricycle, were sufficient for conviction.

Consequently, Ezik was sentenced to death by hanging.