An Anambra State Magistrate Court in Nnanka, Orumba North Council Area, has convicted and sentenced three brothers, including a lawyer, for conspiracy, forceful entry, and malicious damage to the property of a poor man.
The convicted individuals—John Nwakonobi, Tochukwu Nwakonobi, and Sunday Nwakonobi—are from Umudioka, Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State. They were charged with 10 counts of conspiracy, forceful entry, and malicious damage, offenses punishable under various sections of the revised Anambra State laws.
Chief Magistrate L. C. Okoye, who presided over the case, found the defendants guilty on all 10 counts. In his judgment, delivered after an eight-year trial during which two prosecution witnesses passed away, Chief Magistrate Okoye remarked:
“It is my considered view that the prosecution has successfully proven the offenses against the defendants. On the other hand, the defendants corroborated much of the prosecution’s evidence through their own admissions.
“The defendants admitted that they collectively decided in family meetings to enter the disputed land. On different occasions, they sought to create an access road for their cousin and to measure land for the first defendant. The first defendant, in particular, narrated their actions to achieve these purposes.
“It is mind-boggling that the first defendant, being a lawyer who understands the law, did not deem it necessary to challenge the findings of the peace committee or resolve the title issue with the complainants.
“The defendants have failed to discharge the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt, which had shifted to them. I hereby hold that the prosecution has proven the charges against the defendants.”
The court sentenced the three brothers as follows:
“You, John Nwakonobi, Tochukwu Nwakonobi, and Sunday Nwakonobi, are convicted of malicious damage under Section 415(1) of the Criminal Code Cap 36, Vol. 11, Revised Laws of Anambra State 1991. Each of you is sentenced to six months’ imprisonment or a fine of ₦20,000 in lieu of imprisonment.”
