Ex-soldier, 7 others, given a total of 104 years jail sentence for kidnapping Delta Speaker

The Delta State High Court, on Tuesday, sentenced an ex-soldier and seven others to 104 years in prison for kidnapping the current speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Mr Monday Igbuya.

The kidnap, which occurred in May 2009 in Sapele, was allegedly carried out by Godspower Omoniyi, an ex-soldier; Godspower Ikoro; Ernest Atteh; John Adapamu; Ife Freedom; Sunday Uba Tiemo; Kemi Koinyan; and Isaiah Mumbor. Mr Igbuya was released by the kidnappers after six days.

The presiding Judge, Justice O. Jaloggo-Williams, in his judgement, found all eight accused persons guilty on two-count charges of kidnapping and demanding property with menace and sentenced them to ten years in prison each for the kidnapping and three years each for demanding N100,000 with menace.

A robbery charge was also brought against them, however, that was dismissed based on insufficient evidence. The sentences will run concurrently.