Friday, February 13 2026 - A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, the state capital, has convicted and sentenced four persons to death by hanging for the brutal murder of the former Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada East Police Division, Superintendent of Police Bako Amgbashim.
The trial judge, Justice Sika Aprioku, also convicted the
sixth defendant, Samuel Nwadinma, and sentenced him to three years’
imprisonment for conspiracy, while the third accused person was discharged and
acquitted of all four counts of conspiracy, murder, membership of a secret cult
group and robbery.
In the judgment, the court further discharged Famous
Okechukwu, Samuel Uchendu, Oyekachi Ikonwa, Godbless Nnamdi and Marshall
Daniel, the ninth to 13th defendants, who were found guilty of membership of a
secret cult group, having already served the maximum terms prescribed by law
while in custody.
Justice Aprioku held that the prosecution proved beyond a
reasonable doubt the charges of conspiracy, murder, membership of a secret cult
group and robbery against the four convicted persons, including a native doctor
who prepared the charm allegedly used in killing the late DPO.
The judge ruled that the first defendant, Robinson Sonabari
(the native doctor), the second defendant, Bright Okparawo, the fourth
defendant, Precious Amaeze, popularly known as Selina, and the fifth defendant,
Loveday Jack, also known as Rugged Excess, be hanged by the neck until they are
confirmed dead.
Speaking to journalists after the judgment, lead prosecution
counsel from the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, Chigozie Amadi, commended
the judiciary for ensuring that justice was served.
He said, “Justice is not only seen to have been done but has
manifestly been done. This was a protracted case, and we thank the judge as
well as both the prosecution and defence counsel.
“It is a capital offence, and we worked hard to prove our
case beyond a reasonable doubt. Today, justice has been served for the gruesome
murder of SP Bako Amgbashim.”
Also reacting, counsel for the Principal Legal Assistant,
Nigeria Police Force, Celestine Dickson, said police officers, whose duty is to
protect lives and property, have increasingly become targets of criminal gangs,
expressing hope that the judgment would serve as a deterrent.
Meanwhile, the elder brother of the late DPO, Akasco
Amgbashim, who travelled from Nasarawa State to witness the judgment, said the
family had endured immense pain since the officer’s murder.
While commending the judiciary, the Rivers State Government
and the Nigeria Police Force, he described the judgment as a reminder that no
individual has the right to take another person’s life.
He said, “I thank the Federal Government and the police for
standing firm to ensure justice. I also appreciate the Rivers State Government
for supporting the police and the judiciary to carry out their duties
effectively.
“Our people in Nasarawa State, especially the Amgbashim
family, are grateful and relieved. This judgment should serve as a warning to
criminals. A police officer exists for the peace and protection of society, and
it is tragic when such a life is taken.
“Now that justice has been done, the lesson for everyone is
that we must not take the law into our hands.”
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