BREAKING: DSP Who Killed Ex-minister’s Niece, Akpason Convicted By FCT Court

By Matthew Ogune, Abuja
A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Wagozie Igochukwu Godwin, who allegedly shot and killed Miss Anita Akapson, a niece of Senator Nenadi Usman (former Minister of Finance) has been convicted by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High court in Zuba, Abuja.

Late. Akapson

In the criminal charge filed by the Commissioner of Police against DSP Godwin, 36, it was stated that Anita Akapson, 31, was shot to death on October 13, 2018 at about 9:45pm, at Katampe area of Abuja.

The one-count charge, which the prosecutor said was a criminal offence, to wit culpable homicide (but not punishable with death) ran contrary to section 22(3) of the penal code and punishable under section 22(4) of the same code with a maximum of life sentence.

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The convict, upon arraignment pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge of culpable homicide contrary to section 22(3) of the penal code and punishable under section 22(4) of the same code.

The court noted that the offence is a culpable homicide and is not punishable by death, but carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

The counsel to the defendant, Paul Samson after calling witnesses to inform the court that his client was going through health challenges and was to undergo surgery before year ending urged the court to temper justice with mercy.

Samson who informed the court that his client was the bread winner of his family, added that the accused wife was jobless with two kids as well as aged parents.

Arguing that the essence of sentencing was for reformation, Samson urged the court to consider a lesser sentencing for his client or an option of fine, citing section 22(4) of the penal code.

His words: “The essence of sentencing is to reform, temper justice with mercy considering the medical history of the offender, sentence him considering his ill health, considering his brain that is due for surgery, because he is the bread winner of the family.”

“Section 22(4) of the penal code, gave an option of fine or a lesser term, My Lord, your discretion in the sentencing is required, invoke your inelasting and equitable discretion in your sentencing,” Samson urged the Judge.

The trial Judge, Justice A. O. Ebong after listening to both counsel found the police guilty of culpable homicide and convicted him.

Ebong, however slated another date for sentencing of the accused.