A high Court sitting in Owerri, Imo state capital, on Friday sentenced Johnbosco Chidera Ashiegbu, a 34-year-old to death over an eight-count charges bothering on conspiracy to Hostage taking, Conspiracy to Armed robbery, Armed Robbery and Hostage taking.
Johnbosco, male, is said to be a native of Amaiyi Akabo in Ikeduru LGA of Imo state.
He was said to have been arrested in 2024 along Okigwe road Owerri in one of his stolen vehicles and after detention and interrogation, he confessed to have been in the business of kidnapping, armed robbery and hostage taking, and operated alongside with his gang members, within Imo and Abia states.
Giving his judgement, the presiding Judge, Hon. Justice C.N Akowundu; said the defendant was guilty of all the eight count charges against him as the Prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt all the charges bothering on kidnapping, armed robbery and hostage taking, offenses punishable by law.
He recalled that in 2024, Johnbosco Chidera and his gang members, who are currently at large, trailed one Mr. Rex Edwin Achiefula to his house at Aba while driving along with his wife and whisked the couple away, robbing them of their car and the sum of US2800 dollars
“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. 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. Immidietly after the abduction and Robbery of their two victims; their robbed 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 respectfully”
He also recalled that the accused had been charged to court in 2017 when he and his gang also robbed an unsuspecting driver of his vehicle, dispossessing him of his valuables including cash.
He noted that Johnbosco drives in fleet of cars and routinely changes ownership of all vehicles he stole to his name, including the ones he gifted his elder brother and sister during her birthday celebration.
“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 read out.
Dr. Ikenna Obi, a Senior State Counsel, Imo state Ministry of Justice and who prosecuted the matter for the State, during the course of judgement; urged the Court to make his pronouncements with recourse to the dictates of the law as it was no respecter of persons.
The Judge; Hon.Justice C.N Akowundu, in his final judgement said the accused, Johnbosco Chidera Ashiegbu, was guilty of all charges levelled on him. Hence, sentenced to life in imprisonment and death by hanging respectfully.
