Lagos – The Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence of Chukwuemeka Ezeugo (aka Reverend King), general overseer of the Christian Praying Assembly.
In a unanimous judgment on Friday afternoon, a seven-man panel of Justices of the apex court led by Justice Walter Onnoghen, upheld the death sentence that was earlier handed to Ezeugo by the Lagos State High Court.
Consequently, the court in its lead verdict that was delivered by Justice Sylvester Ngwuta, dismissed the appeal the convicted clergy lodged before it.
Ngwuta said the facts of the case were “like what you see in a horror movie” adding that the appeal lacked merit.
Ezeugo challenged the judgement of a Lagos High Court sentencing him to death by hanging.
The apex court had last year December fixed February 26, 2016 for judgment in the appeal.
The apex court presided over by Justice Walter Onoghen adjourned for judgment after entertaining arguments from counsel to prosecution and defence in the matter.
Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Adeniji Kazeem, who appeared before the Supreme Court alongside the Director of Public Prosecution, Idowu Alakija, and other senior counsel in the state had urged the court to dismiss the appeal and uphold the judgment of the lower courts.
Ezeugo was arraigned on September 26, 2006 on a six-count charge of attempted murder and murder.
He was convicted of murdering one of his church members, Ann Uzoh. The convict was said to have poured petrol on the deceased and five other persons and that Uzoh died on August 2, 2006, 11 days after the act was perpetrated on her.
Source: News24
