A Benin High Court has convicted and sentenced five persons to death by hanging for their roles in the kidnap and murder of legal practitioner Omon Iyoha14 Osobase in 2020.
The case was prosecuted by Orobosa Okunbor Esq., P. E. Isibor-Enabulele Esq. and O. Akenuwa-Osamede Esq.
Judgment was delivered 10/6/2026, by His Lordship, Hon. Justice Efe Ikponmwoba, in the case of State vs Valentine Dibie & 5 Ors, Charge number B/CD/36C/2022.
Osobase was kidnapped and murdered on the 9th day of May, 2020. Eight defendants were initially charged for conspiracy, kidnapping and murder. However, after the EndSARS protest and prison break, six defendants were later charged.
The court convicted the 1st defendant, Valentine Dibie, for conspiracy, kidnapping and murder. The 3rd defendant, Solomon Enobun, and 4th defendant, Ambrose Amadi, were also convicted for conspiracy, kidnapping and murder. The 5th defendant, Enoma Okuonghae, and 6th defendant, Saturday Imagbe, were convicted for kidnapping.
The 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th defendants were sentenced to death by hanging for the offence of kidnapping. The 1st, 3rd and 4th defendants were also sentenced to death by hanging for murder, while the same three were sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for conspiracy.
The court judgment discharged and acquainted the 2nd defendant.