THE STATE V. OTEMEABO-OFORI SOLOMON

NWALI SYLVESTER NGWUTA, J.S.C. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): In charge no. PHC/1315/2007CR filed in the Registry of the High Court of Rivers State sitting at Port-Harcourt, the respondent and one other person were arraigned on one count of conspiracy to murder contrary to S.324 of the Criminal Code of Rivers State (Cap. 37 Laws of Rivers State of Nigeria 1999) and multiple counts of murder contrary to Section 319 of the Criminal Code of Rivers State (Supra). The respondent was the 2nd defendant. 

At the end of the trial, the learned trial Judge, S.C. Amadi, J. found both defendants “guilty in count 1 and in counts 2 to 9 of the Information.” 

His Lordship sentenced both defendants thus: 

“SENTENCE: The sentence of the Court upon each of you is that you be hanged by the neck until you be dead and may the Lord have mercy on your soul.” 

Aggrieved by the judgment and sentence of death imposed on him by the trial Court, the appellant filed a notice of appeal on seven grounds on 12th Augu…