News

Gracious David-West’s Death Sentence, Justice At Last -RSHA

Published

6 years ago

October 12, 2020

The Rivers State House of Assembly has said that with the conviction of the notorious serial killer, Gracious David-West, by a Port Harcourt High Court, last Friday, the souls of the 11 victims of his callous crimes against humanity have been atoned as justice has been served at last.
This was contained in a statement signed by the member representing Omuma Constituency in Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, last Friday, in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
The statement read, “On behalf of the Rivers State House of Assembly ad-hoc committee saddled with the responsibility of unravelling serial killings that occurred in the state in 2019, of which I served as its chairman, I commend all those who ensured that the victims of Gracious David-West finally got justice.
“When this serial killer was on the prowl, there was apprehension in the entire state, because no one knew who will be his next victim. An ugly development that made the house to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the menace, which was chaired by my humble self; we swung into action immediately, and the suspect was arrested and charged to court.
“Just as you all know, Gracious David-West has been found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging in a landmark judgement delivered by Justice Adolphus Enebeli of the Rivers State High Court, Port Harcourt.
“This would serve as a deterrent to other criminal elements in our society. If they do not turn over a new leaf and become law abiding citizens, they would be brought to book, because Rivers State Government is determined to protect lives and properties.
“Finally, I can assure you that, Rivers State can longer experience anything as serial killings in our hotels, because the bill I sponsored on the floor of the house tagged, ‘INN KEEPERS AND HOTEL PROPRIETORS BILL’ will address all the loopholes that Gracious David-West relied on to murder those young ladies”, the lawmaker added.
Also speaking, a representative of International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Rivers State Branch, Barrister Kemi Osunaike, said the judgment would serve as deterrent to others who were in the habit of killing others, deliberately causing harm, or raping women, among others, in the state.
She said that with the judgment, FIDA was now relieved that justice has finally been served, adding that female lawyers would continue to fight for the protection of the rights of vulnerable women and the girl-child from predators and monsters among men.
A number of civil society organisations also hailed the conviction of the serial killer, and called on the authorities to take pragmatic action to check the incidence of violence and abuse against less privileged people, especially vulnerable women and the girl-child whose rights had been trampled upon with impunity in the past.
It would be recalled that Justice Adolphus Enebeli of the State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, last Friday, convicted and sentenced Gracious David-West to death by hanging for the murder of 11 young women and attempted murder of one Benita Etim.
The serial killer was found guilty of committing the crimes in different hotel rooms across Rivers State between July and September, 2019.
Justice Enebeli, in his judgment, said the convict, who he described as a serial killer, had endemic misdemeanour, and deserved no mercy to live but to die by hanging following the heinous killings of innocent young girls across hotels in the state.
Justice Enebeli said this while delivering his judgement on Gracious David-West and a female hotel manager in Port Harcourt.
The Tide reports that when the convict was arrested and paraded by the police in September, 2019, he confessed to killing seven young women; one in Lagos; one in Owerri, Imo State; and five in Rivers State.
But investigations by crack police detectives had linked him to about 11 killings at different locations in the state.
According to Justice Enebeli, the prosecution has proven their case and convinced the court that the defendant, Gracious David-West, murdered the 11 young women in Port Harcourt, and also attempted to kill one Benita Etim.
The convict was charged with a 10-count charge bordering on murder and attempted murder, while the second defendant in the matter, who was discharged and acquitted, a female hotel manager, Nimi ThankGod, was charged with one-count charge of misconduct in the handling of a corpse.
The trial judge, however, said the prosecution was able to prove its case in counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 10 of the charges that the convict committed the crimes but failed to prove its case on three-count charges in nos. 6, 8, and 9, due to lack of witnesses and diligent prosecution.
He averred that the convict confessed to have committed the crimes even when he was paraded by the police just as he pleaded guilty to the crimes, adding that Gracious David-West did not show any mental impediment in court, therefore, killed those young women intentionally.
“The way he lured those late young women to hotels without resistance were still anathema, and the gory nature of the deaths of those ladies forces out tears from the people. If the police had not arrested him, he would have surpassed the world record on serial killing,” he stated.
He, therefore, found him guilty on the seven out of the 10-count charges as brought against him by the state.
The second defendant in the case, Nimi ThankGod, a manager of one of the hotels in Port Harcourt, where one of the victims was killed, was however, acquitted and discharged by the court on the grounds that the state prosecuting counsel failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused committed the offence.
ThankGod, who faced a one-count charge bordering on misconduct with a corpse, was accused of evacuating the corpse of one of the young females killed in her hotel room where she served as a manager, and dumped the body at a dumpsite along Aggrey Road in Port Harcourt in August, 2019.
The trial judge held that the prosecution failed to produce the actual person that committed the crime, saying that the real identity of the person was still unknown.
The court said that the prosecution failed to prove that the second defendant was the actual person even though she was the manager, adding that she could not be punished for an offence she has not be found culpable.
He, therefore, upheld her counsel’s submission that the court cannot convict the second defendant based on public sentiment but on convincing and verifiable evidence.
Justice Enebeli, who agreed with the second defendant’s counsel, discharged and acquainted Nimi ThankGod.
Earlier, Counsel to David-West, Barrister Vincent Chukwu, had pleaded with the court for leniency on the grounds that his client was a father of three young children.
He said his plea became imperative because the convict has three children, adding that granting him leniency would enable him take care of his young children.
Chukwu noted that he was awaiting the brief of his client, adding that depending on the directive he gets, he may proceed to appeal the judgment up to the Supreme Court, as the law provides for the protection of the rights of the convict until otherwise ordered by the apex court.
However, the state lead prosecuting counsel, Barrister Chidi Ekeh, said the first defendant (David-West) did not deserve any leniency as he never showed mercy to his victims, and urged the court to ensure justice in the matter.
Ekeh told newsmen shortly after, that the judgment would serve as a deterrent to others with such intensions of crime, adding that the second defendant was let off the hook because it was difficult to prove to the court that the accused committed the crime.
He said: “With respect to the second defendant, she escaped by the whiskers, not that the offence with which she was charged was not committed, but it was difficult to determine who exactly did it as the witnesses who would have ordinarily provided that answer suddenly disappeared from the state until date.
“I am happy that this judgment was given, it would serve as a deterrent to all such persons with such dispositions, who are always taking to crime, to know that there are consequences.”
In his view, counsel to the second defendant, Barrister Lesina Amagwa, lauded the judgement, saying that it has once again restored confidence in the Judiciary as the last hope of the ordinary citizens in the society.
He pleaded with the prosecution not to go ahead with any appeal against the judgement in respect to his client.

News

Odu Urges Collaboration Among Stakeholders To Improve Health Service Delivery In Rivers

Published

2 days ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, has called for renewed commitment, transparency, and collaboration among stakeholders in the health sector in the State.

The deputy governor particularly urged synergy between the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) and the Primary Health Care Management Board towards improved healthcare delivery in the State.

?Prof. Odu made this call during the 2026 First Quarter Review Meeting of the Task Force on Primary Health Care at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday.

?She stressed the importance of honesty and urged all parties to be truthful and open in addressing challenges within the system.

?According to her, transparency remains critical to identifying and resolving underlying issues affecting healthcare delivery, noting that “if we are not truthful, we will not cure the disease, but merely cover it up.”

The deputy governor recounted a personal experience at a Primary Health Center where a patient, despite being duly registered under the RIVCIPP scheme with completed biometric capture, was still asked to make payment for services.

According to her, intervention by relevant authorities later confirmed the patient’s eligibility, exposing a communication gap between the scheme and healthcare providers.

Odu warned that such incidents could discourage community members from enrolling in the scheme, thereby undermining its objectives.

“When this happens, we are disenfranchising our people. The message that goes back to the community is that even when you register, you are still made to pay,” she stressed.

?While commending the leadership and staff of the Primary Health Care Management Board, Ministry of Health, Development Partners as well as other supporting units, for their efforts, ty deputy governor stressed that performance should not lead to complacency.

She urged stakeholders to continuously strive for improvement, raise standards, and leave lasting positive impacts within the system.

News

You Can Now Print Your Exam Slips, JAMB Tells 2026 UTME Candidates

Published

2 days ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the opening of examination slip printing for candidates registered for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

JAMB made the announcement yesterday, urging candidates to visit its website to download their slips ahead of the examination.

“Examination Slip Printing is now available. The slip contains details of the venue, date and time of your examination and gives you access to the examination hall,” the board said.

Candidates are to visit jamb.gov.ng and click on “2026 Slip Printing” to print their slips.

The development comes after JAMB dismissed a viral press release falsely claiming the examination had been postponed.

The board described the notice as “malicious and fake” and urged candidates to disregard it.

The 2026 UTME is scheduled to hold from Thursday, April 16, to Saturday, April 25, 2026.

The examination follows a mock test conducted on Saturday, March 28, which recorded technical difficulties at some Computer-Based Test centres.

Of the 224,597 candidates who registered for the mock, 152,586 sat for the test across 989 CBT centres nationwide.

JAMB said over 20 centres were delisted for technical inadequacies.

The board also warned candidates against fraudsters on WhatsApp claiming to facilitate score inflation, describing such claims as “false and criminal”, and threatening cancellation of registration or withholding of results for any candidate found involved.

Over two million candidates, according to JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, registered for this year’s UTME.

News

RSU Unveils Five-Year Strategic Dev Plan …Calls For Collective Commitment To Institutional Excellence

Published

2 days ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

In a decisive step towards redefining its future, the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, has formally unveiled its Third Five-Year (2026-2030) Strategic Development Plan.

The development plan is a comprehensive roadmap designed to strengthen the university’s position as a leading institution in Nigeria and beyond.

The unveiling took place during a high-level engagement with the Governing Council, Principal Officers and the university congregation, at the Convocation Arena, recently.

Delivering his remarks at the unveiling ceremony, the Pro-Chancellor of the university and Chairman of Council, Hon. Okey Wali, SAN, charged all members of the university community to align their activities with the strategic direction of the institution, emphasizing that the success of the plan depends on collective commitment.

He noted that the plan is not merely a document, but a working framework that requires discipline, accountability and unity of purpose.

According to the Pro-Chancellor, only through coordinated efforts from all stakeholders can the university fully realize its vision.

“I hereby invite the Visitor to the University, donor agencies, friends and well-wishers, and all stakeholders to support and fund the implementation of this strategic plan. We are confident that this plan will take RSU to greater heights in the comity of higher institutions,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, described the Strategic Development Plan as a document that would enhance the university’s corporate strengths, mitigate current weaknesses, leverage its corporate opportunities and address perceived existential threats.

“This Five-Year Strategic Plan sets out RSU’s goals, strategic objectives, expected outcomes and impact, including intervention strategies,” he said.

On his part, the Chairman of the Strategic Development Planning Committee, Prof. Emeritus Joseph A. Ajienka, noted that the 2026-2030 Strategic Development Plan represents a bold reaffirmation of the university’s founding ideals of excellence, creativity, innovation and inclusivity, aimed at positioning the institution to respond effectively to contemporary challenges in higher education.

Prof. Ajienka, who is also a member of the Governing Council, disclosed that the plan was developed through an extensive and inclusive consultative process, which he said reflects contributions from Faculties, Departments, Satellite Campuses and Administrative Units.

At its core, the plan seeks to advance the university’s vision of becoming a “unique and uncommon” institution that is structurally and philosophically oriented towards solving practical societal problems and ranking among the top ten universities in Nigeria.

The strategic framework identifies six key challenges confronting the university, including funding constraints, infrastructure deficits, limited research collaboration, and service delivery inefficiencies.

A statement by the university’s Acting Director, Corporate Affairs, Victor G. Banigo, further stated that the university has articulated four broad strategic goals supported by eight targeted objectives.

A central priority of the plan, according to him, is the strengthening of governance and administrative systems, alongside deliberate efforts to expand the university’s funding base. Others include enhanced alumni engagement, strategic partnerships and innovative fundraising initiatives aimed at ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

“Equally significant is the commitment to upgrading physical infrastructure across all campuses. Plans are underway to modernize lecture halls and laboratories, expand student accommodation, improve campus security and deploy advanced ICT systems to support teaching, learning and research.

“Recognizing that human capital is the backbone of institutional success, the university has placed strong emphasis on staff development, recruitment and productivity enhancement. Through targeted training programmes, mentorship initiatives and performance management systems, the plan aims to foster a highly skilled and motivated workforce.

“In addition, the university is poised to deepen its focus on research, innovation and entrepreneurship. By reviewing academic curricula, strengthening industry partnerships and establishing innovation incubation centers, Rivers State University seeks to translate research outputs into practical solutions that address societal needs and drive economic growth,” he said.

The PRO disclosed that the implementation of the strategic plan is projected at ?110 billion, reflecting the scale of transformation envisioned.

“While the university is committed to funding a significant portion internally, additional resources will be mobilized through government support, donor agencies, alumni contributions, and public-private partnerships.

“This multi-channel funding strategy aligns with the university’s broader goal of building a resilient and self-sustaining financial model capable of supporting long-term development,” he explained.

To ensure effective implementation, he said, “the plan incorporates a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework, complete with performance and impact indicators. A mid-term review is scheduled within the first two years to assess progress and make necessary adjustments.

“Furthermore, the establishment of a dedicated Strategic Planning Office will provide oversight, coordination and accountability in executing the plan across all units of the university.”

According to the statement, “As the university embarks on this transformative journey, the message from leadership is clear: the Strategic Development Plan is a collective mandate.

“For staff, students, alumni and stakeholders, it represents an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the growth and advancement of the institution. For the university, it is a pathway to consolidating its legacy while embracing innovation and global relevance.

“With a clear vision, defined priorities and a united community, Rivers State University stands poised to translate this strategic blueprint into measurable progress, advancing knowledge, empowering people and shaping the future of higher education in Nigeria.”