Anambra Vigilante Sentenced to Death by Hanging for Murder of Phone Repairer

 

A High Court sitting in the Ogbaru Judicial Division has sentenced vigilante operative Onyeka Eze (also referred to as Onyeka Francis Eze) to death by hanging for the murder of phone repairer Anayo Ugbo.

The judgment was delivered on Thursday by the Administrative Judge, Justice Charles Okaa, who found the defendant guilty of murder beyond reasonable doubt.

According to court proceedings, the incident occurred on May 5, 2022, at the Shoe Site Market in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area. The victim, Anayo Ugbo, from Ogboji Ezzagu in Ishielu LGA of Ebonyi State, was repairing a phone when the defendant, Eze – a native of Enueiji in Ika North East LGA of Delta State – summoned him to meet their "boss."

Prosecution counsel, Assistant Chief State Counsel Chinyere Aganama-Onyeze from the Anambra State Ministry of Justice, told the court that the defendant became enraged during the interaction. Eze allegedly beat the victim and pushed him from the third floor of a three-story building. Ugbo sustained severe head injuries and died two days later at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi.

The court held that the prosecution proved its case overwhelmingly through evidence, including witness testimonies and medical reports confirming the cause of death.

Justice Okaa convicted Eze of murder under relevant sections of the law and sentenced him to death by hanging, the mandatory penalty for capital murder in Nigeria.

This ruling underscores ongoing efforts by Anambra State authorities to curb extrajudicial actions and hold security operatives accountable for abuses.

The defendant has the right to appeal the judgment.