Seven-Year Wait Nears End In Delta Student Murder Trial
Seven-Year Legal Battle Nears Conclusion
AFTER nearly seven years of legal proceedings, a Delta State High Court has scheduled 29 July 2026, for judgment in the trial of three men accused of abducting and murdering Elozino Joshualia Ogege.
The court fixed the date after both the prosecution and defence concluded their final arguments in the prolonged criminal proceedings that began after the killing of the university student in 2018.
The trial has remained one of the most emotionally charged murder cases in Delta State due to allegations of ritual killing and the public campaign for justice that followed the incident.
Lawyers Clash Over Evidence
Defence counsel representing the three accused persons argued before the court that the prosecution failed to prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt.
The lawyers urged the court to acquit their clients, insisting that the evidence tendered during the proceedings was insufficient for conviction.
On the other hand, the prosecution team, led by Omamuzo Erebe, maintained that the state had successfully established the guilt of the defendants through evidence and witness testimonies presented during the trial.
The state therefore asked the court to convict the accused persons on all charges.
Case Shocked University Community
The defendants — Macaulay Desmond Oghenemaro, Nwosisi Benedict Uche and Enaike Onoriode — were arraigned over the alleged kidnapping and killing of Elozino Ogege, who was then a 300-level student of Mass Communication at Delta State University.
Reports at the time alleged that the victim was abducted before being murdered in circumstances suspected to involve ritual practices.
The killing generated widespread condemnation from students, women’s rights advocates and civil society organisations across the country.
Judgment Expected to Draw Public Attention
The case also witnessed setbacks and delays over the years before eventually reaching the judgment stage.
A fourth defendant, Robinson Obajero Ojokojo, who was reportedly identified as a native doctor, died before the conclusion of the proceedings.
Legal observers and members of the public are expected to closely monitor the July 29 judgment, which many believe could bring long-awaited closure to the victim’s family and supporters.
The ruling is also expected to reignite broader conversations around ritual killings, campus security and the pace of criminal justice administration in Nigeria.
