Edo Court Sentences Valentine Dibie, Four Others to Death by Hanging Over Murder of Lawyer Iyoha Osobase

A Benin City High Court has sentenced Valentine Dibie and four other defendants to death by hanging over the murder and kidnapping of late Edo State lawyer, Barrister Iyoha Osobase, bringing an end to a six-year legal battle that attracted significant attention across Edo State.

The court, presided over by Justice Efe Ikpomwonba of the Edo State High Court, delivered judgment in Charge No. B/CD/136C/22 — The State versus Valentine Dibie and Five Others, ruling that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt against five of the accused persons.

The convicted defendants were found guilty of offences bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping, and murder linked to the death of Barrister Osobase, who was abducted and later killed in Benin City in 2020.

Justice Ikpomwonba subsequently handed down the death sentence by hanging to the convicted persons, marking the conclusion of one of the most closely watched criminal trials in Edo State in recent years.

However, the court discharged and acquitted Solomon Esuike, the second defendant in the matter, after ruling that the evidence presented against him was insufficient to sustain the charges.

Six-Year Trial Over Lawyer’s Killing Ends

The case originated from the tragic death of Barrister Iyoha Osobase, who was reportedly kidnapped, attacked, and killed on May 9, 2020. His remains were later discovered in a shallow grave around the Aduwawa area of Benin City, sparking widespread condemnation and demands for justice.

The killing sent shockwaves through Edo’s legal community, with lawyers and residents calling for a thorough investigation and prosecution of those responsible.

Defence Secures Acquittal for Solomon Esuike

While five defendants were convicted, Solomon Esuike walked free after his defence team successfully challenged the prosecution’s evidence against him.

Esuike was represented by a legal team led by Douglas Ogbankwa, alongside A.P. Uzor and S.A. Idemudia, who argued that there was no sufficient evidence linking their client to the alleged offences.

The court agreed with the defence position and cleared Esuike of all charges.

Prosecution Presented Evidence During Lengthy Proceedings

The prosecution was led by former Edo State Director of Public Prosecutions, Orobosa Okunbor, who presented witnesses and other evidence throughout the trial.

The proceedings lasted several years before the court finally delivered its verdict, closing a case that had remained a major reference point in discussions about security and justice in Edo State.

Calls for Justice Had Attracted National Attention

The matter also drew attention from prominent legal and political figures, including Chief Festus Keyamo (SAN), Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, who had previously called for a full investigation and prosecution of those involved in the lawyer’s killing.

With the latest judgment, the Edo State High Court has now formally concluded the trial, with five persons convicted and sentenced while one defendant was cleared of all allegations.

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