Ebonyi Court Sentences Four to Death by Hanging Over Brutal Murder of Businessman Chinonso Elom
The High Court of Ebonyi State, sitting in the Ohaukwu Judicial Division, has sentenced four men to death by hanging for the brutal and cold-blooded murder of 26-year-old businessman, Chinonso Elom, pmopularly known as Oscar. The landmark judgment was delivered by Justice Esther Otah on Thursday, May 14, bringing a tragic but determined legal chapter to a close.
The heinous crime occurred on February 6, 2023, in front of Chinonso Elom’s business premises, located near the bustling Okwo Ngbo Main Market in Ohaukwu Local Government Area.
According to multiple eyewitnesses, a group of assailants — described as cultists and political thugs — stormed the area in a Toyota Sienna bus and confronted Chinonso over an alleged issue involving his younger brother.
When the young businessman was unable to provide the information they sought, the confrontation turned violent. Reports confirm that Anthony Elom, one of the attackers and a cousin to the current Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, pulled out a locally made shotgun and shot Chinonso in the head at point-blank range, killing him instantly.
The other assailants—Chibueze Onwe, Chief Chukwuemeka Ugah, and Uchenna Odono—were also present and participated in the assault. A fifth suspect, ThankGod Onwe, remains at large.
The gruesome daylight killing shocked the entire community and sparked massive protests by Ngbo youths, who demanded immediate justice for Chinonso. In response to mounting public pressure and widespread condemnation, the Ebonyi State Police Command launched a swift and coordinated investigation. With the help of eyewitness statements, surveillance footage, and forensic evidence, law enforcement authorities apprehended four of the suspects.
They were subsequently arraigned on charges of conspiracy to commit murder and first-degree murder.
During the high-profile trial, the prosecution, led by Barrister Oluchi Ibiam of the Ebonyi State Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with Barristers Chinedu Ugadu and Chinedu Ituma from Ohaukwu, presented a comprehensive case against the defendants. Key pieces of evidence included eyewitness testimonies, forensic analysis, and the recovered murder weapon, which was positively matched to the fatal shot that killed Chinonso.
In her judgment, Justice Esther Otah condemned the act as a premeditated and cold-blooded execution, highlighting that all four accused acted in concert. “The defense failed to present any compelling or credible evidence to counter the clear, corroborated testimony of the prosecution,” she ruled. “This was not merely an act of spontaneous violence but a calculated effort to silence an innocent young man.”
She described the murder as “gruesome, senseless, and devoid of humanity,” and found all four defendants guilty as charged, pronouncing a sentence of death by hanging for each of them.
Reacting to the verdict, lead defense counsel, Barrister Chinedu Uwa, expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling and announced plans to file an appeal. “We strongly believe that certain legal errors were made, and we are prepared to challenge this judgment at the appellate court,” he said.
On the other hand, the prosecution hailed the ruling as a significant victory for justice. “This verdict sends a powerful message that politically motivated violence, cultism, and murder will not be tolerated in Ebonyi State,” said Barrister Oluchi Ibiam. She further commended the court for “upholding the rule of law and restoring hope to the victim’s family and the community at large.”
The family of the late Chinonso Elom, alongside community members and youth groups, expressed relief that justice had been served, even as they continue to mourn his untimely death. Chinonso, described by many as hardworking, peace-loving, and entrepreneurial, had been a respected figure in the local business community before his life was tragically cut short.
As the community reflects on this painful chapter, the judgment stands as a reminder of the cost of unchecked violence and the importance of upholding the sanctity of human life through the justice system.