Ebonyi Court Sentences Four to De@th by Hanging Over Brutal Murd3r of 26-Year-Old Businessman, Chinonso Elom (aka Oscar)

 

In a ruling that has sent shockwaves across Ebonyi State and beyond, the High Court sitting in the Ohaukwu Judicial Division has sentenced four men to death by hanging for the brutal killing of a young businessman, 26-year-old Chinonso Elom, popularly known as Oscar.

This tragic incident, which unfolded on February 6, 2023, near the ever-busy Okwo Ngbo Main Market, saw Chinonso murdered in cold blood right in front of his own business premises. The gruesome nature of the crime and the high-profile identities of those involved sparked public outrage and mass protests that shook the local community.

Among the four men convicted is Anthony Elom, who is notably a cousin to the current Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area. Others found guilty by the court include Chibueze Onwe, Chief Chukwuemeka Ugah, and Uchenna Odono. A fifth suspect, ThankGod Onwe, believed to be part of the gang, remains at large.

How It Happened: A Planned Attack in Broad Daylight

According to multiple eyewitness accounts, the attackers, who were alleged to be cultists and political thugs, stormed the area in a Sienna bus. Their target was not random—it was deliberate and calculated.

They approached Chinonso, demanding to know the whereabouts of his younger brother. Sources say this confrontation was connected to an old misunderstanding involving the younger sibling. However, when Chinonso was unable to provide any useful information, the situation escalated quickly.

Eyewitnesses recount that the gang tried to forcefully drag Chinonso into their waiting vehicle. In an attempt to resist abduction, Chinonso struggled to break free. It was then that Anthony Elom, also known by the alias “Tidy”, pulled out a shotgun and, without hesitation, fired a shot directly at Chinonso’s head, killing him instantly.

The brazenness and cruelty of the act shocked the entire Ngbo community and beyond. Youths took to the streets in protest, demanding that the culprits be brought to justice. The public outcry was intense and immediate.

Swift Police Investigation and Arrests

Thanks to coordinated efforts between security agencies and the cooperation of the local community, the police moved swiftly. Within days, four of the suspects were arrested and taken into custody. Based on eyewitness testimonies and forensic evidence, they were charged with conspiracy and murder.

The Trial: A Landmark Case in Ebonyi Judicial History

On Thursday, May 14, 2025, the case came to a dramatic conclusion at the Abakaliki High Court, presided over by Justice Esther Otah.

Delivering her verdict, Justice Otah stated that the prosecution team had presented overwhelming and irrefutable evidence. Among the most damning was forensic analysis that linked the murder weapon directly to the scene of the crime and to the defendants.

She dismissed the defense’s case as weak and unconvincing, declaring their arguments as “grossly insufficient.” In her words:

“The accused acted in concert. Each played a role in this heinous crime. They cannot escape responsibility. The court finds all four defendants equally culpable.”

Justice Otah described the killing not merely as an unfortunate act of violence, but as a “calculated, cold-blooded conspiracy”, one that was meticulously planned and brutally executed.

She then proceeded to deliver the ultimate punishment:

“The court hereby sentences the four accused persons to death by hanging.”

Mixed Reactions from Legal Representatives

Following the court’s pronouncement, the lead defense counsel, Barrister Chinedu Uwa, expressed his disapproval of the judgment. Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom, he said:

“We are not satisfied with the ruling. We will study the full judgment and immediately file for an appeal.”

In contrast, the prosecuting team—led by Barrister Oluchi Ibiam from the Ebonyi State Ministry of Justice, and joined by Barristers Chinedu Ugadu and Chinedu Ituma from Ohaukwu—celebrated the judgment as a major win for justice and a loud warning to political thugs and criminal gangs.

In a joint statement, they declared:

“This is a landmark victory. Justice has prevailed, and this will serve as a strong deterrent to others who think they can kill and get away with it. Political thuggery and cultism must end in our communities.”

Conclusion: Justice Served, But the Pain Lingers

While the verdict may bring some relief and a sense of justice to the grieving family and the broader Ngbo community, the painful memory of Chinonso’s brutal killing still lingers.

He was a young man with dreams, running a legitimate business, and trying to build a life—only to have it violently snatched away by those who chose the path of crime.

The message from the court is loud and clear: No one is above the law, no matter how politically connected they may be.