The Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has sentenced one Charles Baridolee to death by hanging for the murder of his friend, Gerald Tekena, in the Bodo community, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Baridolee was found guilty of inflicting multiple machete wounds on Tekena following a heated argument in 2024. Reports revealed that the dispute began after Baridolee accused Tekena of giving money to his family, claiming it had made them disrespect him. The confrontation turned violent, resulting in Tekena’s death.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Augusta Chukwu ruled that the prosecution proved the case beyond reasonable doubt through strong evidence and a confessional statement from the convict.
Justice Chukwu ordered that Baridolee be hanged by the neck until confirmed dead.
Speaking after the judgment, the Chief Prosecution Counsel from the Ministry of Justice, Ordu Precious, praised the verdict, noting that it restored hope to the family of the deceased and reinforced faith in the judicial system.
“The judgment today is well-deserved. We diligently prosecuted the matter and proved the guilt of the defendant. Justice has finally been served,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Defence Counsel, Angus Chukwuka, commended the court for a well-considered ruling but disclosed plans to appeal the verdict, citing the gravity of the case.
“The court has done justice to the matter. However, since it involves human life, we intend to explore the possibility of an appeal,” Chukwuka stated.
— Hobnob News
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