An Imo State High Court sitting in Owerri has sentenced a 34-year-old man, Johnbosco Chidera Ashiegbu, to death by hanging after finding him guilty of serial armed robbery and kidnapping.
Johnbosco, who hails from Amaiyi Akabo in Ikeduru Local Government Area of the state, was arrested in 2024 along Okigwe Road in Owerri while allegedly driving a stolen vehicle.
According to reports presented before the court, the convict confessed during interrogation that he had been involved in armed robbery and hostage-taking operations alongside his gang members within Imo and Abia states.
The prosecution told the court that Ashiegbu and his gang terrorised residents and motorists through a series of criminal activities, including robbery attacks and kidnappings for ransom.
After reviewing the evidence and testimonies presented during the trial, the court found him guilty and subsequently sentenced him to death by hanging.
The judgement was described as part of ongoing efforts by security agencies and the judiciary to tackle violent crimes and restore security in the South-East region.
