A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has discharged and acquitted 12 travellers who had been on trial for the murder of Police Inspector Christiana Erekere.
The accused — Joy Uwheraka, Shirley Wealth, Napoleon Uwheraka, Ejiro Ejogbamu, Moses Agege, Precious Iyot, Kikelomo Odusanyo, Wealth Ojoh, Efeoghene Uwheraka, Ighofose Oke, Blessing Ovie and Emeka Joshua — were arraigned on 13 counts including conspiracy and murder arising from an April 24, 2024 stop-and-search near the Taaba Police Division in Khana LGA. The group were said to have been en route to Akwa Ibom for a traditional marriage when they encountered the late inspector.
Delivering judgment on Monday, Justice Augusta Chukwu held that the prosecution had failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the 12 accused were culpable. She found no direct link between the evidence presented and the defendants, and consequently acquitted them.
The judge also awarded N1 million to each of the 12 as compensation for unlawful arrest and detention.
Outside the courtroom, defence counsel Robert Igwere welcomed the verdict, describing it as a proper application of the law. “The burden of proof lies with the prosecution and must be established beyond reasonable doubt. The judgment clearly shows there were doubts in the prosecution’s case,” he said.
Prosecution counsel Celestine Dickson said the outcome was surprising and indicated the police would review the judgment before deciding on the next steps. “The team is going to meet with police authorities, review the judgment and advise on the next course of action,” Dickson said.
