Seven Sent to Death by Hanging for Clergy Murder in Rivers

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has sentenced twin brothers and five other defendants to death by hanging for the kidnapping and murder of Reverend Edwin Isaiah Dokubo‑Harry.

The court said the crime occurred in 2013 in Asari Toru Local Government Area of the state.

Justice Boma Diepiri presided over the case and, in his judgment, acquitted Emmanuel Isreal and Nephew Philemon of twenty‑five charges related to conspiracy, kidnapping, murder, and possession of an illegal firearm.

The convicted and other suspects allegedly lured Rev. Dokubo‑Harry to a forest in the Abalama community of Asari Toru on 6 December 2013, kidnapped him, bound his eyes and hands, and then left his body in a creek, leading to his death.

The court found sufficient evidence of conspiracy, kidnapping, murder, possession of an illegal firearm, and other criminal acts against Precious Jack Opara, Answer Dick, Osaki Fubara, Prince Mikado Philip, Tienabeso George, Seleipri Fubara, and Alaboeriya Fubara.

Justice Diepiri ordered that the convicts be executed by hanging until death and directed the prosecution to hand over the recovered firearm and other evidence to the Nigerian Police.

The judgment elicited emotional reactions, with some convicts and their family members in court breaking into tears.