AbdulAhad Otuoze
A high Court 1, sitting in Idah in Kogi state presided by Justice Fola Ajayi, has convicted and sentenced one Ocholi Edicha for the Killing of Mrs. Salome Abuh the woman leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during 2019 Kogi governorship election.
However, lawyers from the Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General’s office has vowed to challenge the ruling, describing it as a surprise and not enough punishment for the offenses Committed.
Barr. Otigbe Joseph, said the judgment was a surprised said it would be challenged as the sentence can not be equated to the offenses Committed which bothered on killing.
The defendant was arraigned on the offences of criminal conspiracy, Armed Robbery, Mischief by fire and culpable homicide.
Delivering his judgment, Justice Ajayi convicted the suspect for culpable homicide not punishable with death .
The prosecution in prove of his cases called 5 witnesses. The court agreed with oral testimony and eye witness account alongside statement made to the Nigeria police and hold it to be sufficient to secure the conviction of the defendant.
The defendant denied making statement to the Nigeria police but was quick to challenge and accept some aspect of his statement. His confessional statement was admitted by the court.
It is worthy to Note that the deceased Mrs. Salome Acheju Abuh was on 18th November, 2019 shot and set ablaze at her resident in Ochadamu in Ofu Local Government Area, Kogi state.
The court convicted and sentenced the defendant to 12 years and 6 Months imprisonment for the Offences.
The names of Counsels that appeared for the Prosecution and the Defendant in State V. Ocholi Edicha are Prince Barr. Otigbe Joseph: E.A Aimola, Esq, Chief Legal officer, I. Opaluwa, Esq ( Senior Legal officer) and O.J AINOKO, Esq, (Legal officer) For the state.
For the Defendant: W.A Zakari, Director Public Defendant Commission, AV Olorunfemi for the defendant
