JUST IN; Governor’s aide convicted of assault, sentenced to three years jail term
JUST IN; Governor’s aide convicted of assault, sentenced to three years jail term
A Bayelsa State High Court has found Mr. Prudent Oguruguru, Senior Special Assistant on General Duties to Governor Douye Diri, guilty on two counts of assault.
Oguruguru was arrested for assaulting Ubong Effiong Ubek, causing the victim to lose consciousness at Agudama-Epie on February 20, 2024.
Initially arraigned on five charges, including conspiracy, attempted murder, assault occasioning harm, serious assault, and malicious damage, Oguruguru pleaded not guilty to all allegations.
During the trial, the prosecution presented six witnesses and submitted seven exhibits to support its case.
Justice I. A. Orukari, in his ruling, focused on whether the prosecution had proven the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
The court found insufficient evidence to support the charges of attempted murder, serious assault, and malicious damage, leading to Oguruguru’s acquittal on these counts.
However, the evidence for conspiracy to commit assault and assault occasioning harm was deemed compelling, resulting in his conviction on Counts 1 and 3.
During sentencing, Oguruguru’s defense counsel, Abadiofoni, urged the court to show leniency, citing his client’s status as a first-time offender.
While prosecution counsel, D.J. Olubowale, objected, emphasizing that allocutus should come from the defendant, Oguruguru himself pleaded for mercy, citing his responsibility as the sole provider for his family and elderly mother.
Justice Orukari sentenced Oguruguru to three years’ imprisonment for each of the two counts, with an option of a N250,000 fine for each count. The sentences will run concurrently.
