The High Court of Justice, Delta State, Otor-Udu Judicial Division, sitting at Otor-Udu, has upheld the conviction of four persons — Darlington Erhiejakpor, Dr. David Emomotimi, Alex Oyibo and Jemiriyeigbe Oluwoni, over offences bordering on conspiracy and obstruction of court officers in the execution of a judgment.
The decision was contained in the judgment delivered in Criminal Appeal No. OUHC/1CA/2025 by Justice T. O. Uloho (Mrs.).
The court affirmed the convictions and sentences imposed on the appellants on Counts I and II, holding that the prosecution had established its case beyond reasonable doubt and that the findings of the trial Chief Magistrate were supported by the evidence before the court.
On the conspiracy charge, the appellate court held that the evidence established a common “criminal design” among the defendants in relation to the obstruction of officers of the Area Customary Court during the execution of its judgment.
The court also upheld the trial court’s reasoning that the success of the substantive charge of obstructing officers of the court necessarily supported the conspiracy count.
The judgment stressed the importance of respecting the authority of the judiciary and ensuring that duly issued court judgments are allowed to be executed in accordance with the law.
According to the court, parties dissatisfied with a judgment are expected to pursue available legal remedies rather than resort to self-help or obstruct the lawful execution of judicial decisions.
The judgment therefore affirmed the convictions and sentences of the four appellants on Counts I and II.
Credit: Justice Iyasere, Correspondent, Independent Newspapers.
