A high court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has sentenced four individuals to death by hanging for the murder of Bako Angbashim, the former Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada East Division.
The convicted individuals, Robinson Sonabari, Bright Okparawo, Precious Amaeze (also known as Selina), and Loveday Jack (popularly known as Ragged Excess) were found guilty of conspiracy, murder, membership of a secret cult group, and robbery.
The presiding judge, Sika Aprioku, ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt, including evidence that Sonabari, identified as a native doctor in court, had prepared the charm allegedly used in the killing of the police officer.
The court ordered that the four convicts “be hanged on their necks until they are confirmed dead.”
In addition, Samuel Nwadinma, the sixth defendant, was sentenced to three years in prison for conspiracy, while a third defendant was discharged and acquitted of all charges.
Angbashim was killed in September 2023 when his team was ambushed while returning from an operation. At the time of his death, he held the rank of Superintendent of Police.
Days following the murder, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara announced a N100 million bounty for the capture of Gift Okpara (known as 2Baba) and members of his gang in connection with the killing.
On February 17, 2024, police operatives raided a camp linked to 2Baba. While he and his gang managed to escape during a gunfight, intelligence reports later confirmed 2Baba’s death after he lost consciousness and attempts to revive him failed.
In June 2025, the Rivers police command reported the arrest of two suspected cultists connected to the murder.
Reacting to the verdict, Chigozie Amadi, lead prosecution counsel from the Rivers Ministry of Justice, commended the court for what he described as a thorough process.
“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,” Amadi 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 Angbashim.”
Celestine Dickson, counsel for the Nigeria Police Force, noted that police officers are increasingly becoming targets for criminal gangs and expressed hope that the judgment would serve as a deterrent to those who attack law enforcement personnel.
