Court sentences five to death over Edo lawyer’s murder

An Edo State High Court has sentenced five individuals to death by hanging for their involvement in the abduction and murder of lawyer Iyoha Osobase. The court, however, acquitted one of the six defendants, Solomon Esuike, citing a lack of sufficient evidence.

Presiding Judge Justice Efe Ikpomwonba delivered the judgment in Charge No. B/CD/136C/22, The State versus Valentine Dibie and Five Others. The prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt against five defendants for conspiracy, kidnapping, and murder. Esuike's defense team successfully argued for his acquittal, making him the only defendant discharged and not guilty.

The trial, which has garnered significant attention within Edo State's legal community, began following Osobase's killing in May 2020. He was reportedly abducted, beaten to death, and buried in a shallow grave in the Aduwawa area of Benin City. The case also drew national attention, with calls for justice from prominent legal and political figures, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

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It is clear that the prosecution successfully proved its case against five of you (the defendants) beyond reasonable doubt. However, the evidence presented against the second defendant, Solomon Esuike, was insufficient to sustain the charges against him. He is hereby discharged and acquitted.