A High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has sentenced four persons to death by hanging over the killing of the former Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada East Police Division, Superintendent of Police Bako Amgbashim.
The trial judge, Justice Sika Aprioku, delivered the judgment after finding the convicts guilty of conspiracy, murder, membership of a secret cult group and robbery.
The court also convicted a sixth defendant, Samuel Nwadinma, who received a three-year prison sentence for conspiracy. However, the third accused person was discharged and acquitted on all four charges filed against him.
Justice Aprioku further ruled on other defendants in the matter. Famous Okechukwu, Samuel Uchendu, Oyekachi Ikonwa, Godbless Nnamdi and Marshall Daniel, listed as the ninth to 13th defendants, were freed after the court held that they had already served the maximum sentence for cultism while in custody.
The judge held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt against the four principal convicts. Among them was a native doctor accused of preparing the charm allegedly used in the murder of the late police officer.
The court therefore ordered that Robinson Sonabari, identified as the native doctor, Bright Okparawo, Precious Amaeze, also known as Selina, and Loveday Jack, alias Rugged Excess, be hanged until confirmed dead.
Reacting after the ruling, lead prosecution counsel from the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, Chigozie Amadi, praised the judiciary for the outcome of the case.
He said, “Justice is not only seen to have been done but has manifestly been done. This was a protracted case, and we thank the judge as well as both the prosecution and defence counsel.
“It is a capital offence, and we worked hard to prove our case beyond a reasonable doubt. Today, justice has been served for the gruesome murder of SP Bako Amgbashim.”
Counsel to the Principal Legal Assistant of the Nigeria Police Force, Celestine Dickson, also spoke after the judgment. He noted that police personnel have increasingly become targets of criminal groups. He expressed hope that the verdict would deter violent crimes against officers.
The elder brother of the slain officer, Akasco Amgbashim, attended the court session after travelling from Nasarawa State. He said the family had suffered deep pain since the killing.
He said, “I thank the Federal Government and the police for standing firm to ensure justice. I also appreciate the Rivers State Government for supporting the police and the judiciary to carry out their duties effectively.
“Our people in Nasarawa State, especially the Amgbashim family, are grateful and relieved. This judgment should serve as a warning to criminals. A police officer exists for the peace and protection of society, and it is tragic when such a life is taken.
“Now that justice has been done, the lesson for everyone is that we must not take the law into our hands.”
Court records show that the four convicts were among 72 suspects initially arraigned before the Rivers State High Court by a joint prosecution team comprising the Department of Public Prosecutions and the police over the officer’s killing.
During the trial, 61 defendants, including a traditional ruler, Eze Kelvin Anugwo, and a former Ahoada East council chairman, Cassidy Ikegbidi, were discharged due to insufficient evidence. Thirteen defendants were left to face final judgment.
Late SP Amgbashim was widely known for his tough stance against cultism, kidnapping and violent crimes across parts of Rivers State. He previously served in Bori Division in Khana Local Government Area before his redeployment to Ahoada East.
He was ambushed and killed on September 8, 2023, by suspected cultists while returning from an operation in Odemude community, Ahoada East LGA. The incident triggered security operations in the area. The crackdown later led to the killing of a suspected Iceland cult leader, David Okparanwo, also known as 2-Baba, in February 2024.
