A high court in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, has sentenced four persons to death by hanging over the killing of Bako Angbashim, former divisional police officer (DPO) of Ahoada East division.
Justice Sika Aprioku found Robinson Sonabari, Bright Okparawo, Precious Amaeze, also known as Selina, and Loveday Jack, popularly called Ragged Excess, guilty of conspiracy, murder, membership of a secret cult, and robbery.
The judge ruled that the prosecution established its case beyond reasonable doubt, including testimony that Sonabari, described in court as a native doctor, allegedly prepared the charm linked to the killing of the police officer.
The court directed that the four convicted individuals “be hanged on their neck until they are confirmed dead”.
Samuel Nwadinma, the sixth accused, received a three-year prison term for conspiracy, while another defendant was cleared of all four charges and discharged.
Angbashim was killed in September 2023 when his team was attacked while returning from an assignment. He held the rank of superintendent of police at the time.
Following the incident, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara placed a N100 million bounty on Gift Okpara, also known as 2Baba, and his gang members over the murder.
On February 17, 2024, security operatives stormed a camp connected to 2Baba. Authorities later reported that although he and his associates initially fled during a shootout, intelligence findings later confirmed his death after he reportedly lost consciousness and could not be revived.
In June 2025, the Rivers State Police Command announced the arrest of two suspected cultists in relation to the case.
Responding to the verdict, Chigozie Amadi, lead prosecutor from the Rivers Ministry of Justice, praised the court’s handling of the matter.
“Justice is not only seen to have been done but has manifestly been done. This was a protracted case, and we thank the judge as well as both the prosecution and defence counsel,” he said.
“It is a capital offence, and we worked hard to prove our case beyond a reasonable doubt. Today, justice has been served for the gruesome murder of SP Bako Amgbashim.”
Celestine Dickson, representing the principal legal assistant of the Nigeria Police Force, noted that police personnel have increasingly been targeted by criminal groups.
He expressed optimism that the ruling would act as a warning to those who attack law enforcement officers.