A High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has convicted and sentenced two former members of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad to death by hanging, on the grounds of extra-judicial killing.
Recall that, in 2015, five members of the disbanded SARS team, ASP Samuel Chigbu, Shedrack Ibibo, Magus Awuri, Ogoligo, and Olisa Emeka were standing trial for killing Michael Akor and Michael Igwe, while in their custody for allegedly stealing recharge cards in Oyigbo, Oyigbo Local Government Area in Port Harcourt.
However, two out of the five, ASP Samuel Chigbu and Ogoligo died in custody at the correctional centre in Port Harcourt, while Shedrack Ibibo, Magus Awuri, and Olisa Emeka continued with the trial.
In her judgement, the presiding judge, Justice M.O Opara, found Shedrack Ibibo and Magus Awuri guilty of conspiracy to murder, while Olisa Emeka was acquitted.
The PUNCH reported that the state prosecution council expressed happiness over the judgement and insisting that it would serve as a deterrent to other police officers and also give some sort of closure to the affected families.
She said, “The court found out that they actually were guilty of murdering the two deceased persons.
“The court discharged and acquitted Olisa Emeka based on the findings of the court, because the prosecution did not prove his case concerning the last person.
“From the judgement, justice has been served to the family of the deceased and that makes me happy.
“It will serve as a deterrent hopefully to other police officers and also give some sort of closure to the families of the deceased persons.”
