16th May, 2013
An Abudu High Court, Edo State, southsouth Nigeria has sentenced a middle aged man, Sunday Ilawe, to death by hanging on one count charge of murder.
Ilawe was found guilty of stabbing his neighbour, Blessing Ehigie on his neck and stomach which led to his death.
The incident occurred on 13 October, 2004, at Egua-Evbu Ehigie village, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State.
Five witnesses were called during the trial by the prosecution counsel from the state Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Stella Okojie.
Delivering judgment in the case, Justice Uro Erameh said the witnesses proved the case against the convict as required by law, adding that the confessional statement of the convict to the police alone was enough to send him to the gallows.
Justice Erameh further held that the convict was arrested at the scene of the crime while still holding the knife he used in committing the offence, adding that the defence failed to prove that the convict had mental problem.
He therefore sentenced the convict to death by hanging.
—Jethro Ibileke/Benin