Boy, 19, jailed 9 years for kidnapping pupil

Delta State High Court sitting in Asaba yesterday committed one Chijioke Okeke to nine years in prison with hard labour.
The 19 years old musician was jailed for kidnapping one Sobechukwu Emmanuel Anyamene, a seven year old boy.
The convicted Okeke had on the December 18, 2011, kidnapped primary three pupil at St. John Anglican Church, Ogidi, in Anambra during church service.
The kidnappers took the little boy to their den in Oko near Asaba, Delta State, where they demanded N7 million from the parents before security operatives arrested Chijioke Okeke and his gang member and rescued the victim.
Justice Cletus Emifoniye who presided over the case had earlier convicted the accused on a three-count charge of kidnapping, conspiracy and demanding with menace.
However, Justice Emifoniye sentenced the accused person to three years imprisonment with hard labour on each count charge which would run concurrently.
The judge said that accused pleaded guilty to all the charges and appealed for leniency.
Justice Emifoniye said the convict was a first offender and “a young man of 19 with bright future,” adding that he had pleaded guilty and “was remorseful throughout the trial.”
His words, “Having considered the accused’s plea for leniency, he is hereby sentenced to three years imprisonment with hard labour in each of the three count and the terms are to run concurrently.