An Onitsha High Court Three, presided over by Justice David Onyefulu has convicted two murder suspects, Emeka Okolonji and Valentine Umezinwa for the murder of one Blessing Eze also known as Golden in Onitsha.
The suspects were convicted on a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder.
In his thirty minutes ruling, Justice Onyefulu disclosed that the new State’s sentencing guidelines stipulates that defendant’s should have a witness testifying that a suspect has changed which according to him, will serve as a mitigating factor that will influence the Court for lesser punishment.
The Judge noted that the Court is not particularly interested at the punishment but the reformation of the suspects.
The counsel to both defendants, Barrister Chimezie Okeke who spoke off camera described the new State’s sentencing guidelines as a welcome development in the State’s legal system, as it will help in the reformation of suspects.
It would be recalled that the murder incident took place at Dennis Memorial Grammar School roundabout Onitsha in 2019.
Correspondent Emengini Osadebe reports that the case was adjourned to nineth February 2022 for sentencing.