Abel Okoro and Vincent Wilson are to spend rest of their life in jail for kidnapping Princess Asime Sekibo, wife of Senator George Sekibo and four of her friends in 2012.
The life sentence was handed down on the two on Wednesday by Justice E. N. Thompson of Port- Harcourt High Court after finding them guilty as charged
The two convicted kidnappers were arraigned on 21 September, 2012, for kidnapping Princess Sekibo and four of her friends around Obiri Ikwerre axis of the East-West Road on 22 March, 2012.
The victims were reportedly returning from study at the University of Port-Harcourt when they were kidnapped and sum of N10million was reportedly paid as ransom before they were released.
The two convicts were arraigned on a nine-count charge of felony, kidnapping, armed robbery and rape.
Three persons were initially arrested but one jumped bail leaving the two standing trial.
In her judgement, Justice Thompson found the kidnappers guilty of the charges of conspiracy and kidnap and sentenced them to life in prison without the option of fine.
The judge held that the prosecution proved his case beyond reasonable doubt on the charges of conspiracy and kidnap adding the convicts were identified by their victims in the course of the trial.
Justice Thompson further said confessional statements by the two convicts were made voluntarily by them.
However, there was mild drama when one of the two convicts started crying on seeing his son but he was taken away by prison officials.
Senator Sekibo and his wife were not in court as judgement was delivered.
Apart from Princess Sekibo and one of her friends who followed up the case, three of her other friends who were also kidnapped had refused to appear in court and testify against the convicts.
The Rivers State government had prosecuted the case through its Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.
