Court sentences two to death over murder of DELSU student

A Delta State High Court sitting in Ogwashi-Uku has sentenced two men, Desmond Macaulay Oghenemaro and Enaike Onoriode, to death by hanging for the murder of Delta State University (DELSU) student, Miss Elozino Ogege.

The court, presided over by Justice F. N. Azinge, delivered the judgment on Thursday, bringing to a close a case that has lasted about eight years.

However, the court acquitted and discharged the second defendant, Nwonsisi Benedict Uche, of the eight-count charge filed against him.

Elozino Ogege was murdered in 2018 in a case that sparked widespread outrage. Her body was later found with her heart removed and her eyes plucked out.

During the trial, it emerged that a herbalist allegedly instructed the suspects to bring human body parts for ritual purposes linked to “quick money.” The herbalist reportedly died in custody while awaiting trial.

The prosecution was led by the Delta State Solicitor-General, Omamuzo Erebe (SAN), alongside members of his legal team.

Reacting to the judgment, the Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Human Rights, Comrade Kelvin Ejumudo, welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a victory for justice.

He said the verdict showed that although justice may take time, it can still prevail.

“Justice delayed indeed is not justice denied. Finally, the voice of the people prevailed,” Ejumudo said.

Ejumudo, who also serves as the National Secretary of the Human Rights Protection Congress (HRPC) and Director of Human Rights and Social Justice in Delta State, commended the Solicitor-General, the Delta State Police Command, media organisations and Nigerians who supported the campaign for justice for the late Elozino Ogege.