ADAMU JAURO, JSC (Delivering the Leading Judgment): The appeal herein is against the decision of the Court of Appeal, Benin Division, affirming the conviction and sentence of death on the Appellant as imposed by the judgment of the High Court of Edo State.
BRIEF FACTS OF THE CASE
On 21st October, 2012, a family consisting of Esther Omaka (PW1), Fred Omaka (PW2 and husband of PW1) and Enima Omaka (the son of PW1 and PW2) was abducted by men armed with guns, while at their uncompleted building where they had gone to inspect the progress of the work done and meet with the engineers. The abductors seized different items ranging from phones, gadgets and jewelries from their victims. The abductors drove them far into the forest, before eventually keeping PW2 somewhere in the forest and releasing PW1 and their son. PW1 was given her phone and asked to return with a ransom of N20 million within two days in order to get PW2 released. On 26th October, 2012, PW1 paid the kidnappers the sum of N10 …