Death for iPhone! Court sentences Kalu to death for brutal murder

By Edith Nwapi

A 22-year-old man, Emmanuel Kalu, has been sentenced to death by a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja for the brutal murder of a phone dealer during a robbery.

Kalu, who lured his victim with a fake iPhone 13 purchase, was convicted on two counts of armed robbery and culpable homicide after the prosecution presented damning evidence against him.

Presiding over the case, Justice Peter Kekemeke ruled that the prosecution had “proved their case beyond reasonable doubt.”

The court found that Kalu not only stole the phone but also fatally stabbed his victim, Vincent Anujuem, during the transaction.

According to court records, the tragic incident occurred on March 20, 2023, when Vincent Anujuem left home with his younger brother, Michael, to deliver an iPhone 13 Pro Max valued at ₦680,000. The phone had been ordered online by the defendant.

Hours later, Michael made a distress call to his elder brother, Emmanuel Anujuem, informing him that Vincent had been stabbed in the stomach at a hotel where he had gone to meet the supposed buyer.

The court admitted Kalu’s confessional statement, which was described as “direct, positive, and voluntarily made.” The murder weapon—a knife—was also presented as evidence.

Delivering the verdict, Justice Kekemeke declared: “The defendant is found guilty on both counts and is accordingly convicted. He is hereby sentenced to death.”

Kalu’s actions, the judge ruled, violated Section 221 of the Penal Code and the Firearms Act, both of which prescribe the death penalty for such offenses. (NAN)