A major legal chapter has closed in a kidnapping case that stunned many Nigerians after the Supreme Court affirmed the death sentence of a convicted kidnapper from Delta State.
In a unanimous decision delivered on Friday, the apex court dismissed the appeal filed by Chelynor Halim and upheld the judgment that sentenced him to death by hanging.
The verdict has attracted attention because it reinforces the judiciary’s stance on serious crimes such as kidnapping and armed robbery.
According to the court, evidence presented during the trial clearly established Halim’s involvement in the crime.
The case dates back to February 9, 2014, when a woman identified as Joan Osemene was abducted by a group of armed criminals in Delta State.
Court records showed that the victim was taken to an unknown location in Ibusa after being forcefully kidnapped.
During the incident, Halim was accused of threatening the victim with a firearm.
Furthermore, evidence presented before the court indicated that he slapped the victim and later covered her nose with a substance-soaked cloth, causing her to lose consciousness.
The trial also revealed the role allegedly played by the gang leader, Edozie Obude.
According to testimony presented before the court, Obude grabbed the victim by the throat and ordered that she be searched.
Consequently, the gang took her ATM card and cash amounting to N10,000.
In addition, the kidnappers reportedly withdrew N55,000 from her bank account using the stolen card.
The victim further told the court that her hands and legs were tied before she was abandoned at another location.
However, she managed to free herself and escape.
After reaching a major road, she flagged down a commercial motorcyclist for assistance.
The rider turned out to be Halim, one of the men she claimed participated in her abduction.
Recognizing him immediately, she raised an alarm.
Therefore, nearby residents quickly intervened and prevented him from escaping.
The suspect was later handed over to security operatives for investigation.
Meanwhile, investigations reportedly led authorities to the gang’s hideout.
A confrontation later occurred between security personnel and the gang.
During the operation, the gang leader, Obude, was killed.
In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, the apex court held that the identity of the convict had been firmly established.
The court further stated that the evidence presented during the trial linked him directly to the crime.
As a result, the appeal marked SC/CR/913/2022 was dismissed for lacking merit.
Furthermore, the death sentence earlier imposed by the Delta State High Court was affirmed.
The judgment also comes as authorities battle a growing wave of kidnappings in several parts of Nigeria.
