A Court sitting in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, presided over by Justice Adolphus Enebeli, Friday, sentenced 40 – year- old serial killer, Gracious David-West to death by hanging for the murder of eight women and an attempted murder of another.
The victims were Maureen Ewuru, Jennifer Nwokocha, Blessing Effiong,Linda Warifa Samuel,Dorcas Francis,Kelechi Bridget Onuoha,Rose Samuel,Anthonia Ibe and Benita Etim whom he attempted to murder.
The Prosecuting officer, , Ogbemudia Emegbokuro had told the court that the accused during their Investigation took the police to the various hotels and the exact rooms where he lured his victims to and killed them after sexually assaulting them.
The convict on his part said he derived pleasure in killing the ladies not that they offended him in any way.
It would be recalled that the convict was arrested in September 2019,by the police in one of its special Operations in Port Harcourt and charged him to court for alleged murder and attempted murder
The killings led to protests by women from all walks with the slogan’ enough is enough.’
Meanwhile, the judgement has received jubilation across the state with many calling for his immediate execution.
Mercy,a petty street trader could not hide her joy over the judgement saying if I had my way I would spit on the face of that man before “dem killam”( before his execution)
Another Lady,Ebube, said”I wish all bad people will be killed.But why did they take too long to pass the judgement on him? This thing happened since last year, every day one woman will die in a hotel,so now he has judgement? Good for him .In his next world when he sees women he will run away.”
Felix,a 57 year -old driver said “at last he has been given the death sentence,”
“Now the soul of the women he killed will rest in peace “
He advised women to be cautious at all times as he believed there could be other killers around.
