Appeal Court upholds ruling convicting motorist for killing

[Mirror]

An Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, has upheld a ruling of a state High Court that sentenced a commercial motorist to death for killing a Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Special Marshal.

The state High Court had, on July15, 1999, sentenced Mr. Emeka Mbachu to death for killing Clifford Azubuike, a FRSC Special Marshal, while on patrol duties on November 3, 1995 at about 6.45 pm at the 1st Artillery Junction along Aba- Port Harcourt Highway.

In his lead judgement, Justice E. Eko dismissed the appeal filed by the appellant against his earlier conviction by the lower court.

According to a statement signed by the FRSC Public Education Officer, Jonas Agwu, Justice Eko held: "On the whole, there is no substance in the appeal. In my candid view, the appeal deserves to be, and it is hereby dismissed in its entirety. The conviction and sentence of the appellant in the charge No.PHC/3C/96 for murder punishable with death on 15th July, 1999 are hereby affirmed."

It will be recalled that a criminal proceeding proffering charge of murder against the bus driver was instituted at the Rivers State High Court.

After the prosecution, the trial court on July 15, 1999, evaluated the evidence of the prosecution and sentenced the bus driver to death.

The motorist appealed against the ruling at the Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt, but the appellate court upheld the lower court judgement.

National Mirror