The Imo state high court in Owerri has sentenced Johnbosco Ashiegbu, a 34-year-old man, to death by hanging over armed robbery and kidnapping.

C.N Akowundu, the trial judge, on Monday convicted Ashiegbu on an eight-count charge.
The defendant, who hails from Amaiyi Akabo in Ikeduru LGA of Imo state, was arrested in 2024 along Okigwe road in Owerri while driving a stolen vehicle.

Ashiegbu reportedly confessed to have been in the business of kidnapping and armed robbery, and operated alongside his gang members within Imo and Abia states.

In his verdict, the judge ruled that the prosecution proved all the charges against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt.

Akowundu recalled how the defendant and his gang members, who are currently at large, trailed one Rex Edwin Achiefula to his house at Aba while driving alongside his wife, whisked the couple away, and robbed them of their car and the sum of $2,800.

“While the wife was freed along the road, the husband was blindfolded and taken to an unknown destination where he was held hostage for close to six days,” the judge said.

“Meanwhile, the defendant and his gang members that same day, about same time, before the abduction of Mr Rex had already abducted one Emmanuel Okezie who was also driving along the same route with Mr. Rex.

“Immediately after the abduction and robbery of their two victims. Victims’ cars — white Rx 350 SUV and Green Coloured Toyota Venza — were brought into Owerri, Imo state by the defendant and his gang members now at large.

“Their victims were later released after the payment of a ransom of 3.7million naira and 15 million naira respectively.

“He mentioned, during interrogation, one Mr. Kelechi Onuegbu based in Abia state as one of his contact persons who is a car dealer and an accomplice to all his criminal activities. Kelechi Onuegbu is also at large.”

The judge said the defendant drives a fleet of stolen cars and routinely changes ownership of all vehicles he stole to his name.

The judge thereafter sentenced the defendant to life imprisonment and death by hanging.
By Ayodele Oluwafemi
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