An Abia State High Court has sentenced a banker, Mr. Theophilus Ajakaiye, to death by hanging for killing his wife, Theodora.

The convict allegedly murdered his wife on October 12, 2009 at Azumini Ndoki in the Ukwa Judicial Division of Abia.

The charge read, “The accused person is charged with one-count of murder contrary to Section 319 (1) of the Criminal Code Vol. 11, Cap. 30 Laws of Eastern Nigeria, 1963, applicable in Abia State.”

Until her death, Theodora was an employee of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc.

The legal battle between the deceased’s family and the accused began soon after the alleged killing until the judgment recently.

The Presiding Judge, Justice T.U. Uzokwe, said in his judgment that having heard from the accused person, learned counsel for the accused and the prosecuting counsel, the offence carried a mandatory sentence which is death.

He said the court had no power to reduce the sentence and that being the case, he had no option but to sentence the accused.

The judge said, “Though the accused was not seen killing the deceased, I find that the accumulated circumstantial facts found proved that the accused indeed murdered his wife, Theodora Ajakaiye.

“Suffice it to say that I find the accused guilty as charged and I convict him accordingly.”

The sentence read, “Theophilus Ajakaiye – The sentence of this court upon you is that you be hanged by the neck until you be dead and may the merciful Lord have mercy on your soul.”

In the allocutus, counsel for the accused pleaded for mercy on behalf of his client.

He said, “I thank the court for this well considered judgment. The accused has no criminal record. We plead for mercy. There are two children to the marriage and they have already lost their mother.”

It was learnt that the convict had yet to appeal against the judgment.

Pdizzle: why wil someone kill his wife

kross_01: The judge said, "Though the accused was not seen
killing the deceased, I find that the accumulated
circumstantial facts found proved that the accused
indeed murdered his wife, Theodora Ajakaiye.

Thought judgements were based on proven facts & not 'accumulated circumstantial facts'. Hope the man is truly guilty as judged.

kross_01: The judge said, "Though the accused was not seen
killing the deceased, I find that the accumulated
circumstantial facts found proved that the accused
indeed murdered his wife, Theodora Ajakaiye.

Thought judgements were based on proven facts & not 'accumulated circumstantial facts'. Hope the man is truly guilty as judged.

bcomputer101:

http://www.punchng.com/metro/court-sentences-banker-to-death-for-killing-wife/

Pdizzle: why wil someone kill his wife

zcoreman: imagine the influence on their children

lorretta u: are you really asking that question?are u a visitor in Nigeria?where the men feel their wives are their properties.cases of husband mudering their wives is a dime a dozen.this is just one of the few cases that get taken to court.the other lady that died in my area was beaten to death by her husband cos she had the 'effrontery' to take 'his' money to buy baby food for 'their' three month old baby.
If this man is truely guilty,I suggest they not only hang him but burn his corpse as well and flush it down a pit toilet swarming with maggots and houseflies. NONSENSE.

k4kenny: Circumstantial evidence isn't enough to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a person committed murder. However if it proves beyond a reasonable doubt that he did it, then I guess he could be charged. Hope there are no kids involved. It wud be too bad.

Duke_Nija: I wish their Southern African counterparts can see this.

okpara ugo:

Did you go to school




Yes 2 children. Is this passage too long for one to read through? Nigerian youth.

omoodeogere: very sad

hotwax: What about boko-harams killing people massively?

When are we gonna be sentencing them to death ?

okpara ugo:

Did you go to school




Yes 2 children. Is this passage too long for one to read through? Nigerian youth.

lorretta u: are you really asking that question?are u a visitor in Nigeria?where the men feel their wives are their properties.cases of husband mudering their wives is a dime a dozen.this is just one of the few cases that get taken to court.the other lady that died in my area was beaten to death by her husband cos she had the 'effrontery' to take 'his' money to buy baby food for 'their' three month old baby.
If this man is truely guilty,I suggest they not only hang him but burn his corpse as well and flush it down a pit toilet swarming with maggots and houseflies. NONSENSE.

okpara ugo:

Did you go to school




Yes 2 children. Is this passage too long for one to read through? Nigerian youth.