From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
A 26-year- old builder, Lucky Anyali, has been sentenced to death by hanging by the Delta State High Court, sitting in Asaba for killing one Emeka Ashibuogwu.
Anyali, who was convicted on a one-count charge of murder, committed the offence on February 18, 2014 at Ogwashi-Uku within the Ogwashi-Uku Judicial Division.
The offence is punishable under Section 319(1) of the Criminal Code Cap C. 21 Volume 1, Laws of Delta State of Nigeria, 2006.
The convict was said to be having an affair with the estranged wife of the deceased. The deceased and his estranged wife had a three-year old daughter before the relationship went sour.
On one of the occasions when the deceased reportedly visited his estranged wife and daughter, he had a scuffle with Anyali.
Also, on the night of the incident, the deceased had also gone to see his daughter, who was said to be ill when Anyali became furious on sighting him.
He was said to have picked a kitchen knife and descended on his opponent, stabbing him in the chest region, leaving him in the pool of his blood before he was rushed to the Ogwashi-Uku General Hospital where he was confirmed dead.
After committing the crime, Anyali reportedly fled into the bush that night, but was later fished out at dawn by youths in the area who handed him over to the police at Ogwash-Uku.
The convict told police investigators in his voluntary statement that he committed the act in self-defence, a position he maintained during trial but was dismissed by the court. He was sentenced to death by hanging having been found guilty as charged .