The Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has convicted and sentenced one Charles Baridolee to death by hanging for the murder of Gerald Tekena in the Bodo community, Gokana Local Government Area of the state.
Baridolee was found guilty of killing Tekena in 2024 after inflicting multiple machete cuts on him during a quarrel. According to court proceedings, the convict attacked Tekena for allegedly “disrespecting” him and for giving money to his family despite his warnings to stop. The assault resulted in Tekena’s death.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Augusta Chukwu held that the prosecution proved its case of murder beyond a reasonable doubt, citing the confessional statement of the convict and other evidence tendered before the court.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the judgment, Chief Prosecution Counsel, Ordu Precious, from the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, said the verdict was a victory for justice and a relief to the deceased’s family. “The judgment today is well-deserved. We prosecuted diligently and were able to prove the defendant’s guilt. The court has once again shown that the judiciary remains the hope of the common man,” he stated.
On his part, the defence counsel, Angus Chukwuka, while commending the judge for what he described as a well-considered judgment, disclosed plans to appeal the ruling, noting that the case involved a human life.
