A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has discharged and acquitted 12 persons accused of killing Police Inspector Christiana Erekere at the Taaba Police Division in Khana Local Council.
The accused: Joy Uheraka, Shirley Wealth, Napoleon Uheraka, Ejiro Ejogbamu, Moses Agege, Precious Iyota, Kikelomo Odusanyo, Wealth Ojoh, Efeoghene Uheraka, Ighofose Oke, Blessing Ovie and Emeka Joshua, were arraigned on a 13-count charge bordering on conspiracy and murder.
The alleged crime took place on April 25, 2024, when the defendants were said to be travelling from Delta State to Akwa Ibom State for a wedding.
Delivering judgment, Justice Augusta Chukwu held that the prosecution failed to prove the case of murder and conspiracy beyond a reasonable doubt. She noted that the testimonies and evidence presented did not establish any direct link between the defendants and the alleged offence.
The court therefore discharged and acquitted all 12 defendants and awarded N1 million each as compensation for their unlawful arrest and detention.
Family members of the acquitted persons rejoiced after the verdict was delivered. Speaking with journalists, the defence counsel welcomed the judgement, describing it as a triumph of justice and due process. However, the prosecuting counsel, Dickson Celestine, said the police would review the ruling before deciding on the next line of action.
