A Delta State High Court sitting in Asaba on Monday sentenced notorious kidnapper, James Otobrise, to 17 years in prison.
Otobrise was alleged to have masterminded several high-profile kidnapping including that of Warri-based Journalist, Prince Monday Whiskey.
“I have considered the submissions of the learned Defence Counsel in urging the Court to ameliorate the sentence,” Hon. Justice F.N. Azinge (Mrs.) stated while delivering her judgement.
“It is common knowledge that the spate of kidnapping is on the increase in Nigeria, particularly Delta State.
“The sentence is to act as a deterrent to others who believe that kidnapping is a lucrative enterprise or business and to rid the society of people like the defendant who live on crime.
“Therefore, I will pronounce the sentence as is provided under the law.
“You are hereby sentenced as follows: Count I, 7 years imprisonment; Count II, 10 years imprisonment. To run consecutively. This is the judgement of the Court.”
The kidnapper was arraigned by the Delta State Government on two counts charges bordering on conspiracy to wit: Kidnapping but he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The offence is punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap C21, Volume 1, Laws of Delta State of Nigeria, 2006 and Section 364(2) of the Criminal Code, Cap C21, Volume 1, Laws of Delta State of Nigeria 2006.
It would be recalled that Otobrise allegedly kidnapped Whiskey on the 19th of March, 2012 at Orhunwhorhun in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State.
They held the journalist captive in an uncompleted building belonging to him (kidnapper), blindfolded and chained his hands and legs.
However, the journalist managed to escape through a window with chains in his hands on March 20, 2012.
