A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has sentenced four persons to death by hanging over the 2023 killing of Ahoada East Divisional Police Officer, SP Bako Angbashim.
Justice Sika Aprioku delivered the judgment on Thursday, holding that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt the charges of conspiracy, murder, secret cult membership, and robbery against the four convicts.
Those sentenced to death are Robinson Sonabari, a native doctor accused of preparing charms used in the attack; Bright Okparawo; Precious Amaeze, also known as Selina; and Loveday Jack, popularly called Rugged Excess. The court ordered that they be hanged until confirmed dead.
The late DPO was killed on September 8, 2023, during a police operation in Odemude community, Ahoada East. His body was reportedly dismembered, an incident that sparked widespread tension.
Following the killing, a joint security operation led to the death of suspected cult leader David Okparawo, also known as 2Baba.
The court also sentenced the sixth defendant, Samuel Nwadinma, to three years imprisonment for conspiracy, while the third accused was discharged and acquitted. Five other defendants—Famous Okechukwu, Samuel Uchendu, Oyekachi Ikonwa, Godbless Nnamdi, and Marshall Daniel—were discharged after the court found they had already served the statutory term for secret cult membership.
Speaking after the judgment, lead prosecution counsel Chigozie Amadi and police legal team member Celestine Dickson commended the court. Dickson expressed concern over rising attacks on police officers but said the verdict sends a clear message that perpetrators cannot evade justice.
The elder brother of the late DPO, Akasoo Amgbashim, who travelled from Nasarawa State, described the judgment as healing for the family and commended the judiciary, the Rivers State Government, and the Nigeria Police Force.
The four convicts were among 72 persons initially arraigned before the court. Earlier in the trial, 61 defendants, including traditional ruler Eze Kelvin Anugwo and a former chairman of Ahoada East, Cassidy Ikegbidi, were discharged and acquitted for lack of evidence.
