Anambra court sentences tricyclist to death for murder.

A High Court in Oba, Idemili South of Anambra has sentenced commercial tricycle operator Makuachukwu Ezike to death by hanging for the murder of a passenger during a “one‑chance” robbery.

Trial judge Justice Lauretta Oyeka convicted Ezike of the killing of Jude Onwuegbuchunam, a local of Umuoji in Anambra. She found the circumstantial evidence compelling, noting the abandoned tricycle and Ezike’s escape from the scene as strong indicators of guilt.

Justice Oyeka also relied on Ezike’s voluntary confession and medical evidence that linked the victim’s death to injuries sustained after being pushed from the moving tricycle. Consequently, the court found Ezike guilty of murder and imposed the death penalty.

Prosecutor Mrs. L.N. Umeozulu presented the case that, on 17 November 2019, Ezike and two accomplices—still at large—operated a “one‑chance” robbery syndicate along the Oba‑Obosi‑Nkpor‑Umuoji Road. The gang disguised themselves as commercial transport operators, picked up Onwuegbuchunam as a passenger, and attempted to rob him of his mobile phone and other valuables while in transit.

When the victim resisted and raised an alarm, the assailants pushed him out of the moving tricycle at high speed near Abidi Hall, Umuoji, where local vigilante operatives were stationed. Onwuegbuchunam sustained severe injuries from the fall and died two days later.

Ezike returned to the area the next day to recover the abandoned tricycle but was apprehended by vigilante operatives and handed over to the police. Five witnesses, including the medical doctor who conducted the post‑mortem examination, testified that the victim’s death resulted from injuries sustained when he was pushed from the moving tricycle.

Although the defence argued that no eyewitness account existed, Justice Oyeka held that the law permits conviction based on direct evidence, confessional statements, or circumstantial evidence. (NAN)

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