Ahuchaogu, who hails from Umuawa in Isiala-Ngwa Local Government Area of the state and others still at large, have been facing a four-count charge for kidnapping and the murder of Mr. Francis Ajayi on July 28, 2008 at Umudike in Ikwuano, near Umuahia.
Ahuchaogu was charged with kidnapping, murder, conspiracy and robbery.
In her judgment, Justice Theresa Uzokwe, held that the accused was found guilty as charged and sentenced Ahuchaogu to seven years imprisonment with hard labour for conspiracy and 10 years with hard labour for kidnapping.
The accused also got 10 years with hard labour for robbery and was sentenced to death by hanging for murder.
The lead prosecuting counsel and the Director of Legal Services in charge of the Public Prosecution Division of the Abia State Ministry of Justice, Aba Out-station, Mrs. Ngozi Obioma, told newsmen shortly after the court sitting that it was a fair judgment.
Obioma said that Ahuchaogu’s defence was flimsy and frivolous against the weight and gravity of evidence against him as adduced by the prosecution.
She said that the evidence against the accused was overwhelming as he was caught red-handed in the banking hall on camera while trying to cash the ransom money.
She said that Ahuchaogu, who admitted collecting two other tranches of the ransom money, was also implicated through the SIM card of the deceased that was tendered as exhibit.
“It is my belief that justice is seen to have been done today, everybody in Abia, particularly Aba and environs will agree that the menace of kidnapping has been on the increase, creating fears on residents.
“It will also serve as a deterrent to others who may be nursing the idea of embarking on such dangerous escapade,” Obioma said.
Counsel to the accused, Mr. I.U. Nwokocha, however, pleaded for leniency for his client.
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