Justice Binta Nyako delivered the judgment, stating that the prosecution had successfully proven the charges against Kelvin Ezeigbe and Frank Azuekor, the first and second defendants, beyond a reasonable doubt. She specified that their sentences would commence from the day of their arrest.
However, the judge acquitted Michael Omonigho and Momoh Haruna, the third and fourth defendants, of the charges related to terrorism.
Justice Nyako recognized that some of the charges against Ezeigbe and Azuekor carried severe penalties, including the death sentence, life imprisonment, and at least 10 years in jail. Still, she noted their remorse for their actions and the approximately 10 years spent in custody since their arrest.
It should be noted that Omonigho, considered the chief priest in the case, was present in court, while Haruna was not. Nevertheless, the judge ordered that Haruna, who had escaped lawful custody, be brought to court to face charges related to his escape.
The judge commended the efforts of both the defence lawyer, Bala Dakum, and the prosecution counsel, Chioma Onuegbu, throughout the trial.
The four defendants, Kelvin Ezeigbe, Frank Azuekor, Michael Omonigho, and Momoh Haruna, were initially arraigned before Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court on June 9, 2014, facing a 13-count charge that included conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, and acts of terrorism. Haruna was reported missing after an attack on the Kuje Correctional Centre by terrorists on July 5, 2022.