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Bayelsa state High court on Tuesday sentenced a man identified as Jackson Feutubobai to death by hanging for murdering one Inspector Joseph Ofozini in Lobia II community in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Jackson was part of a gang that killed 11 police officers on April 5, 2013.
The Presiding Judge, Justice M.A. Ayemieye while delivering her judgment, said that the sentence is mandatory for those accused of murder.
Commenting on the death sentence, the State prosecuting counsel, Arthur Andrew Seweniowor, said if Jackson fails to appeal in the next three months, the state governor, Seriake dickson will sign his death warrant.
Jackson’s counsel, Efieseimokumo Bipeledei, had earlier appealed with the court to temper justice with mercy, saying the accused person is a family man who has five children dependent on him.
Mr. Bipeledei urged the court to reduce the sentence to imprisonment.