A State High Court in Owerri, Imo State, has handed a death sentence to 34-year-old Johnbosco Chidera Ashiegbu. The court found the Amaiyi Akabo native guilty of multiple counts of armed robbery and kidnapping.
Ashiegbu was apprehended in 2024 on Okigwe road while driving a stolen vehicle. During police questioning, he admitted to leading a criminal gang that targeted victims across Imo and Abia States.
Presiding Judge Justice C.N. Akowundu convicted the defendant on all eight charges, noting that the prosecution had successfully proven the case.
The court detailed several high-profile crimes, including the abduction of Mr. Rex Edwin Achiefula and his wife, as well as the kidnapping of Emmanuel Okezie. These victims were held until ransoms of 3.7 million naira and 15 million naira were paid, respectively.
Evidence presented to the court revealed that Ashiegbu routinely stole vehicles and re-registered them under his own name, often gifting them to family members. Despite a plea for leniency from the defense counsel, who cited the defendant’s status as a first-time offender and family breadwinner, Justice Akowundu remained firm.
The Judge emphasized that Ashiegbu displayed no remorse throughout the legal proceedings. Senior State Counsel Ikenna Obi supported the sentencing, insisting that the law must take its course given the gravity of the crimes and the defendant’s lack of repentance.
