Anambra High Court Sentences Tricycle Rider to Death for Murdering Passenger

A High Court in Oba, Idemili South, Anambra State, has sentenced commercial tricycle operator Makuachukwu Ezike to death by hanging for the murder of a passenger. The victim, Jude Onwuegbuchunam from Umuoji, died after being pushed from the moving tricycle during a “one chance” robbery attempt. In her judgment, Justice Lauretta Oyeka ruled that the circumstantial evidence was compelling. She pointed to the abandoned tricycle, Ezike’s flight from the scene and his voluntary confession. Medical testimony confirmed the victim’s death resulted from injuries sustained in the fall. The court heard that on November 17, 2019, Ezike and two accomplices disguised themselves as transport operators. They picked up Onwuegbuchunam, tried to rob him of valuables and pushed him out of the moving tricycle near Abidi Hall. He succumbed to his injuries two days later. Ezike returned the next day to collect the abandoned vehicle but was arrested by local vigilantes and handed over to police. Five witnesses, including the pathologist, testified for the prosecution. Justice Oyeka held that convictions can rest on confessions and strong circumstantial proof.

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