The last as not been heard of the celebrated Reverend Kings’ saga as the Supreme Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday fixed February 26, 2016 for judgment in the appeal filed by the General Overseer of the Christian Praying Assembly, Rev. Chukwuemeka Ezeugo, a.k.a Reverend King challenging the judgement of a Lagos High Court sentencing him to death by hanging.
The apex court presided over by Justice Walter Onoghen adjourned for judgment after entertaining arguments from counsel to prosecution and defence in the matter.
Lagos State Attorney general and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem and other judicial top brass who appeared before the Supreme Court urged the court to dismiss the appeal and uphold the judgment of the lower courts.
The Lagos State Government had earlier obtained a judgement when it accused the convict of pouring petrol on a citizen (Uzoh) now deceased and five other persons and that Uzoh died on August 2, 2006; 11 days after the act was perpetrated on her.
In that judgement, Ezeugo was convicted and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for the attempted murder and death by hanging for the offence of murder.
Dissatisfied, Ezeugo challenged the verdict before the Court of Appeal in Lagos, but the appeal was thrown out.
“I hereby rule that the prosecution effectively discharged the burden of proof on it. This appeal is devoid of any basis and accordingly fails.
“The judgment of the High Court is hereby affirmed, and the conviction imposed on the appellant, (which is death by hanging) is also affirmed,” Justice Fatimo Akinbami who read the judgement held. The two other members of the panel of Justices, Amina Augie and Ibrahim Saulawa concurred with the lead judgement.
For the last time, Ezeugo not being satisfied with the verdict, approached the Supreme Court, and urged the apex court to upturned the judgment.
The apex court has now reserved judgment till February 26, 2016.
-Emmanuel Ikechukwu
