The Court of Appeal, Awka Division, has affirmed the conviction and death sentence of Chizoba Ede for armed robbery by an Anambra High Court.
In a judgment on June 15, 2022, a trial court judge, Justice Victoria Nwoye had found Ede guilty and sentenced him to death by hanging.
The prosecution said Ede and four accomplices, armed with firearms and offensive weapons, attacked a victim along Upper Iweka, Onitsha, while in transit.
During the attack, the victim was stabbed, suffered severe hand injuries, and was dispossessed of money and valuables.
The court heard the victim later spotted the suspects fleeing in a vehicle and raised an alarm, attracting attention from the driver and passersby.
Public intervention and local vigilante operatives led to Ede’s arrest, while other suspects escaped.
Following his arrest, Ede reportedly made confessional statements and led police to the gang’s hideout, where only the victim’s identity card was recovered.
“Based on the evidence presented, the trial court convicted and sentenced him accordingly,” the court held.
Dissatisfied, the appellant challenged the verdict, citing inadequate legal representation and improper evaluation of evidence.
However, the appellate court dismissed the appeal, ruling the trial court properly assessed the evidence and ensured fair hearing.
“The appellant’s right to fair hearing was not violated as he was adequately represented,” the court ruled.
The court consequently upheld the conviction and sentence.
(NAN)
