Five sentenced to death for Edo lawyer’s murder
A court in Edo State has sentenced five people to death for their involvement in the abduction and murder of lawyer Iyoha Osobase. One defendant, Solomon Esuike, was acquitted due to lack of evidence. The case has drawn significant public attention, with calls for justice from legal and political figures, including Festus Keyamo. The verdict marks the conclusion of a closely followed trial in the state.
What happened
- An Edo State High Court in Benin City convicted five people for conspiracy, kidnapping, and murder of Iyoha Osobase.
- Solomon Esuike was discharged and acquitted after his defence team successfully challenged the evidence against him.
- The presiding judge, Justice Efe Ikpomwonba, stated the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt for the five convicted.
- The prosecution was led by Orobosa Okunbor, a former Edo State Director of Public Prosecutions.
- The case has been a major reference point in Edo State’s legal community since 2020.
