PHILOMENA MBUA EKPE, JCA (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This appeal emanates from the judgment of the Delta State High Court Asaba Judicial Division delivered by Hon. Justice M.O. Omovie on the 27th day of March, 2014. The judgment is predicated on a confessional statement made by the appellant on which the lower Court convicted and sentenced him to a term of imprisonment for the offences of Conspiracy to commit Kidnapping and Kidnapping.
The appellant was arraigned before the lower Court on a five count charge as follows:
COUNT 1
EBIERIM ONINAWA (M) on or about the 31st day of January, 2012, at Kilometre 3, Ibusa/Asaba Expressway, in the Asaba Judicial Division conspired with others now at large to commit a felony to wit: Kidnapping
COUNT II
EBIERIM ONINAWA (M) on or about the 31st day of January, 2012, at Kilometre 3, Ibusa/Asaba Expressway, in the Asaba Judicial Division, unlawfully imprisoned or detained Philip Okocha for four (4) days against his will.
COUNT III
EBIERIM ONIN…