A Delta State High Court in Asaba has sentenced Inspector Ubi Ebri of the Nigeria Police Force to death for the murder of Emmanuel Ibeh Onyeka, a phone repairer and vendor.
Presided over by Hon. Justice C.D. Diai, the court found Inspector Ebri guilty of killing Onyeka during a police stop-and-search operation on April 5, 2023, along the Ugbolu-Asaba Road.
The prosecution, represented by E.H. Edema (a director in the Ministry of Justice) and Michael Ayogbe, detailed how Onyeka and his wife were driving from Ugbolu to Asaba when they were stopped by the police for a search. After waiting for some time without being attended to, Onyeka decided to drive away. This action angered Inspector Ebri, who then opened fire on the vehicle, fatally shooting Onyeka in the head. Onyeka died instantly, while his wife, seated beside him, was unharmed.
The killing sparked protests by youths in the town, demanding justice for Onyeka.
Following the judgment, Edema remarked to journalists, “Today’s judgement is a landmark decision because justice has been served for the deceased and society at large.”
Fidel Ifeanyi Ibeh, the elder brother of the deceased, who was present in court, also praised the court for delivering justice to his family.
