Judiciary
AN FCT High Court sitting in Zuba on Monday reserved judgment in case of alleged homicide filed against dismissed Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Wagozie Godwin, who allegedly shot and killed Sen. Nanadi Usman’s niece.
The FCT Commissioner of Police charged Godwin, 36, with culpable homicide.
The police alleged that Godwin shot and killed Miss Anita Akapson on Oct. 13, 2018 at Katampe area of Abuja.
The police said the offence contravened Section 22(3) of the Penal Code and was punishable under Section 22(4) of the same code with a maximum of life sentence.
The convict, on arraignment, had pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge of culpable homicide.
The trial Judge, Justice A.O. Ebong, held that the offence was culpable homicide and was not punishable by death, but carried a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Ebong who said the court found the officer guilty of culpable homicide, however, reserved sentencing to a date to be communicated to the parties.
Earlier, Godwin’s counsel, Mr Paul Samson, informed the court through witnesses that his client was going through health challenges and was scheduled to undergo surgery.
Samson also told the court that his client was the bread winner of his family as his wife was unemployed adding that his client had two children as well as aged parents.
Arguing that the essence of sentencing was for reformation, Samson prayed the court to temper justice with mercy in sentencing his client.
He also urged the court to consider a lesser sentencing for his client or an option of fine.
“The essence of sentencing is to reform, temper justice with mercy considering the medical history of the offender, sentence him considering his ill health, considering his brain that is due for surgery, because he is the bread winner of the family.
“Section 22(4) of the penal code, gives an option of fine or a lesser term, my Lord, your discretion in the sentencing is required, invoke your inelasting and equitable discretion in your sentencing,” the counsel pleaded.
NAN
– Dec. 7, 2020 @ 19:08 |GMT |
Tags: Court reserves judgment in case of alleged homicide filed against ex-policeman
