Why Four Were Sentenced to Death for Murder in Ebonyi State

Justice caught up with four men this week as the Ebonyi State High Court, Ohaukwu Judicial Division, sentenced them to death by hanging for their roles in the brutal murder of 26-year-old Chinonso Elom, popularly known as Oscar. But beyond the verdict lies a crucial question: Why did the court choose the ultimate punishment?

The case, which has gripped the Ngbo community since February 5, 2023, came to a head as Justice Esther Otah ruled that the four convicted—Anthony Elom (a.k.a. Tidy), Chibueze Onwe (a.k.a. Chief oo), Chukwuemeka Ugah (a.k.a. Parity), and Uchenna Odono—were not only involved in a planned act of violence but also shared a common intent to commit a grievous crime that ended in murder.

A Murder with a Message

The events that led to the death sentence were not random. The court found that the convicts, together with a fifth accomplice, ThankGod Onwe (still at large), had conspired to confront Oscar over a family dispute involving his younger brother. Arriving in a branded political party vehicle, they stormed his business location near Okwo Ngbo Main Market and demanded information. When Oscar failed to cooperate, they attempted to abduct him. When he resisted, Anthony Elom pulled the trigger.

Eyewitness accounts, physical evidence, and forensic analysis all pointed to a premeditated act. The shotgun recovered later was matched to the bullet that killed Oscar, reinforcing the prosecution’s case. Justice Otah concluded that all four shared equal responsibility, even though only one pulled the trigger.

“The killers formed a common intention to prosecute an unlawful purpose,” she said. “The fact that one pulled the trigger is immaterial. They are all equally liable.”

A Judgment Rooted in Law and Deterrence

The rationale for the death sentence was grounded in legal principles and the need to send a strong signal. Under Nigerian criminal law, when individuals act together to commit a felony, and death results, all parties can be held equally accountable. The judge ruled that the defendants’ collective intent, combined with their actions, made them all culpable for the murder.

“The defence did not provide enough grounds to absolve them of this crime,” the judge declared. “The evidence against them was overwhelming.”

Her ruling was not only about justice for one life lost but also about the lives it might save in the future. By imposing the death penalty, the court aimed to make an example of the convicts—to show that crime, particularly cult-related violence, carries the gravest consequences.

Reactions: Between Fulfillment and Sadness

While the courtroom delivered justice, the community reacted with a mix of solemnity and reflection. Barr. Michael Odo, President of the Amalgamated Ngboejeogu Youth, acknowledged the emotional weight of the ruling.

“This judgment does not call for celebration. It is a sad reminder of a terrible decay in our society,” Odo said. “These men had the chance to contribute positively but chose crime instead. Let this be a hard lesson to our youth.”

He credited the resolve of Ngbo youths and local leaders who rallied for justice, and called for a united stand against cultism and violence: “Cultism is outdated. It’s a nuisance, and it’s destroying our future. We must rise up and end it.”

A Turning Point for Ngbo?

In a region plagued by youth involvement in cult activities, the verdict may mark a turning point. The court’s decision—grounded in evidence, the law, and the pursuit of deterrence—was a firm stance against impunity. For many, the sentence was not only about punishing the guilty but about reclaiming the values of the community.

The Prosecuting Counsel, Barr. Oluchi Ibiam, described the ruling as a “true reflection of justice,” while defense counsel, Barr. Chinedu Uwa, announced plans to appeal the verdict.

Nevertheless, for now, the judgment stands—not only as retribution for a life lost, but as a warning to others who might consider similar paths.