Court Sentence Policeman To Death By Hanging For Killing Driver Over N100 Bribe In Rivers

A dismissed policeman who goes by the name James Imhalu has been sentenced to death for murder by a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The police officer was sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of a commercial driver in 2015, over his refusal to pay him a N100 bribe.

Justice Elsie Thompson, who delivered the judgment on Tuesday, said evidence before the court showed that the sacked sergeant intentionally fired a shot at the commercial driver, named Legbara David at Whimpey junction in Port Harcourt.

Justice Elsie Thompson described James Imhalu as a serial trigger-happy policeman that should not be allowed to remain in the society. One of the counsels to the prosecution team, Kingsley Briggs, said the judgments would serve as succour to the deceased family.

According to his words; “We thank God that today judgments have been given. Although the will of justice grinds slowly, but surely justice will come. For the family of those that lost their loved one and their breadwinner, it is quite unfortunate, But, I believe this judgments will serve as a succour to the family. He will be taken to the correctional centre and then to His Excellency. If His Excellency signs and gives the order, he will be executed accordingly,” he stated.

However, Mr Awaji, a representative of the legal aid council in Rivers State, who defended the Police officer, has stated that they would study the judgement to know the next line of action.

According to his words; “We came into the matter at the point of defense. The state has called all the numerous witnesses. Today’s judgement, I will say, is justice for the people of Rivers State. Despite the fact that I represented the defendant, my analysis of the case when I came into the matter, I would say, I saw it coming.

“Having listened to the judgments, currently there is no plan to go on appeal. But by the time we look at the judgement in-depth, perhaps we will be able to find grounds for appeal. But as it is, there is no plan to go on appeal,” Mr Awaji stated.