Tricycle operator sentenced to death in Anambra

Justice Lauretta Onyeka of the Anambra State High Court in Oba, Idemili South local government area of ​​the state, on Monday sentenced a commercial tricycle operator, Makuachukwu Ezike, to death by hanging for the murder of a passenger.

The prosecution told the court that the convict committed the offenses in a “one-off” robbery operation.

In his assessment, the judge was of the opinion that the circumstantial evidence against Ezike was strong.

He cited the abandoned tricycle and the prisoner’s escape from the scene as strong indicators of guilt.

He also relied on the convict’s voluntary confession and medical evidence linking the victim’s death to injuries he suffered after being pushed from a moving tricycle.

READ ALSO: Gunman kills two police officers in Anambra

As a result, the judge found Ezike guilty of murder and sentenced him to death by hanging.

Previously, the prosecutor led by Mrs. LN Umeozulu told the court that Ezike and two accomplices on November 17, 2019 operated a “one chance” robbery syndicate along the Oba-Obosi-Nkpor-Umuoji Road.

The gang, prosecutors said, disguised themselves as commercial transportation operators, seized Onwuegbuchunam as a passenger and attempted to rob him of his cellphone and other valuables while en route.

“When the victim resisted and raised an alarm, the assailants pushed him out of a tricycle moving at high speed near Abidi Hall, Umuoji, where the vigilante officers were stationed.

“The victim suffered serious injuries due to the fall and died two days later,” said Umeozulu.