A High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has convicted and sentenced a former police sergeant, James Imhalu, to death by hanging for killing a commercial driver, Legbara David, over N100 bribe.
The convict was first dismissed from the Nigerian Police Force before his court trial began in 2015.
In his ruling, the presiding judge, Justice Elsie Thompson, said evidence before the court showed that the convict intentionally fired a shot at the commercial driver at Whimpey junction in Port Harcourt.
Describing him as a serial trigger-happy policeman that should not be allowed to remain in the society, the judge sentenced to death by hanging.
One of the counsel to the prosecution team, Kingsley Briggs, said the judgement would serve as succour to the deceased’s family.
He said: “We thank God that today judgement has been given. Although the will of justice grinds slowly, but surely justice will come.
“For the family of those that lost their loved one and their breadwinner, it is quite unfortunate, But, I believe this judgement will serve as a succour to the family.
“He will be taken to the correctional centre and then to His Excellency. If His Excellency signs and gives the order, he will be executed accordingly.”
Also, one of the defense counsels, M. Awaji, who represents the Legal Aid Council in Rivers State at the trial, said they would study the judgement to know the next line of action.
He said: “We came into the matter at the point of defense. The state has called all the numerous witnesses. Today’s judgement, I will say, is justice for the people of Rivers State.
“Despite the fact that I represented the defendant, my analysis of the case when I came into the matter, I would say, I saw it coming.
“Having listened to the judgement, currently there is no plan to go on appeal. But by the time we look at the judgement in-depth. perhaps we will be able to find grounds for appeal. But as it is, there is no plan to go on appeal.”
