A Delta State High Court sitting in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, has sentenced two men convicted of killing a first-class 300-level Mass Communication student of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Elozino Joshualia Ogege, to death by hanging after a nine-year legal battle.
Justice Flora Ngozi Azinge, who delivered the judgment on Wednesday, found Macaulay Desmond Oghenemaro and Enaike Onoriode guilty of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, kidnapping, conspiracy to commit murder and the murder of Ogege.
The court, however, discharged and acquitted the third defendant, Nwosisi Benedict Uche.
Ogege, a first-class undergraduate of DELSU and an indigene of Isoko, Delta State, was murdered in 2019 by suspected internet fraudsters popularly known as “Yahoo Yahoo plus boys” in an alleged ritual killing.
The deceased was reportedly killed in Abraka after she went out to meet an agent who was assisting her in securing an apartment within the university community.
The Delta State Government, through the office of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, had charged Oghenemaro, Onoriode and Uche with an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping, armed robbery and murder.
A fourth defendant, Robinson Obajero Ojokojo, a native doctor, died during the prolonged trial.
The case suffered several delays and adjournments over the years, largely due to the repeated absence of counsel representing the first defendant. The trial eventually progressed after the adoption of final written addresses earlier this year, with Justice Azinge fixing July 29, 2026, for judgment.
Delivering the verdict on Wednesday, Justice Azinge convicted Oghenemaro and Onoriode for their roles in the kidnapping and murder of Ogege and sentenced them to death by hanging for the murder conviction.
Reacting to the judgment, the Solicitor-General of Delta State and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Omamuzo Erebe (SAN), who led the prosecution team, described it as a “landmark judgement.”
“Today, we witnessed the conclusion of a trial that commenced about nine years ago. The court found the first and third defendants guilty of the offences of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping,” Erebe said.
“And the offences of conspiracy to commit murder and murder. They were sentenced on various counts of imprisonment. But for the offences of conspiracy to commit murder and the murder of Miss Elozino Ogege, they were sentenced to death by hanging.
“So today, on behalf of the Delta State Government and the Commissioner for Justice, our condolences go to the family. The family has been waiting for justice for nine years, and justice has been delivered to them and the entire family. You could notice that the mother of the deceased was very emotional in court. It is normal. And we are still hopeful. Our prayer is that, yes, this judgement will not bring her back, but it will help them find closure. And that is what we are praying for.”
He continued, “Secondly, this is a judgement that sends a message. The ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ or whatever you call it, ritual killings or whatever, in the end, the law will take its course. So to young men who believe that they want to get rich quickly, yes, through ritual killings, through all these methods, eventually you will end up like the first and third in this matter.
“The law will take its course. No matter how long it takes, the law will eventually take its course. And I advise you to please desist from crime.”
Also reacting to the judgment, Isoko lawyer Duncan Afahokor described the verdict as “Justice at last,” saying it represented justice that was not only done but “manifestly seen to be done.”
“This judgment is not only justice done, but justice manifestly seen to be done. It stands as a powerful lesson to young men who may be deceived into believing that wealth can be attained through the killing of innocent lives for ritual purposes. The law has spoken clearly: such barbaric acts will not go unpunished,” he said.
“I extend my heartfelt regards to the members of the Umeh Need Road Facebook page, whose consistent advocacy and unwavering calls for justice kept Elozino’s memory alive and ensured that her voice was not silenced. May this verdict serve as both a deterrent and a reminder that true prosperity cannot be built on bloodshed, and may Elozino’s soul rest in peace.”
Dr Sebastine Ogoloyoyo Agbefe, former President of Isoko Monitoring Group (IMG), and Xino Monnitey, founder and president of The Ideal Isoko Woman (TIIW), had earlier joined other Isoko sons and daughters and Nigerians in condemning the killing of the young first-class Mass Communication student and calling for justice.
They welcomed Wednesday’s judgment, describing it as justice served for Ogege and her family.
(SaharaReporters)