The Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence by hanging imposed on Delta-based kidnap convict, Halim Chelynor, thereby bringing an end to his appeal against the judgment of the lower court.
The apex court ruled unanimously stating that the evidence against Halim was overwhelming, and his conviction, properly ruled.
The case dates back to February 9, 2014, when Halim and accomplices kidnapped ons Joan Osemene in Ibusa, Delta State, the victim testifying that she was assaulted, threatened with a gun, and rendered unconscious with a substance before her ATM card and cash were stolen.
The victim eventually escaped and identified Halim when he posed as a motorcyclist, but was apprehended by bystanders and handed over to the DSS, leading to a raid on the gang’s hideout where their leader, Edozie Obude, was killed in a shootout.
Delivering judgment in suit number SC/CR/913/2026 on Friday, Justice Chioma Nwosu‑Iheme said that there was no doubt about the appellant’s identity as one of the gang members, and that the evidence adduced at the trial established his presence at the scene of the crime.