A Senior Special Assistant on General Duties to Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, Mr. Prudent Oguruguru, has been convicted of assault by a Bayelsa State High Court.
The ruling, delivered by Justice I.A. Orukari, came after Oguruguru was found guilty of assaulting one Ubong Effiong Ubek, who reportedly lost consciousness during the attack.
Oguruguru was arrested on February 20, 2024, for allegedly assaulting Ubek at Agudama-Epie in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Following the incident, he was arraigned on a five-count charge that included conspiracy, attempted murder, assault occasioning harm, serious assault, and malicious damage.
Despite pleading not guilty to all charges, the prosecution presented six witnesses and tendered seven exhibits to support its case.
Delivering his judgment on Tuesday, Justice Orukari ruled that the prosecution had successfully proven the charge of assault beyond reasonable doubt. However, he dismissed the attempted murder charges, stating that the evidence was insufficient to substantiate them.
“The prosecution proved the case of assault against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt,” the judge declared.
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During sentencing, counsel for the defendant, Abadiofoni, appealed for leniency, highlighting that Oguruguru was a first-time offender. However, the prosecution counsel, D.J. Olubowale, objected to the defendant’s lawyer making the plea, insisting that, per Supreme Court precedent, the allocutus (plea for mercy) should be made by the defendant himself.
Oguruguru then personally addressed the court, pleading for mercy. “I am the sole provider for my young family and aged mother,” he said, showing remorse for his actions.
In his verdict, Justice Orukari sentenced Oguruguru to three years’ imprisonment for count one (assault occasioning harm) with an option of a ₦250,000 fine, and another three years’ imprisonment for count three (serious assault) with an option of a ₦250,000 fine. The sentences are to run concurrently.
The judge noted that the sentence was influenced by Oguruguru’s remorse and his status as a first-time offender.
This conviction has sparked discussions in Bayelsa State, particularly concerning the conduct of public officials and the need to hold such individuals accountable for their actions.
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