Man and Accomplice Sentenced to Death for Mother's Murder in Delta

A Delta State High Court located in Kwale has handed down a death sentence by hanging to 44-year-old Lucky Edozien for the brutal murder of his mother, Mrs. Janeth Odinuwe.

Edozien's accomplice, 33-year-old Amaechi Enuebuka, a motorcyclist and occasional DJ, also received the death penalty for his role in the crime.

As per a statement from the Delta State Ministry of Justice released on Monday, March 30, 2026, Edozien reportedly alleged that a ring worn by his elderly mother, who was 70, was the source of his life's struggles, prompting him to resolve to eliminate her.

Justice D.C. Maidoh, in ruling on case HCK/54C/2023 – State vs. Lucky Edozien & Amaechi Enuebuka, determined that both men were guilty of murdering the woman in her residence in Umudike Quarters, Ossissa, Ndokwa West Local Government Area, on April 13, 2023, after the prosecution successfully established their case.

Mrs. Catherine Onoberhie-Oberuomo, Assistant Director of the Delta State Ministry of Justice, who led the prosecution, indicated that Edozien conspired with Enuebuka to murder his mother, contravening Section 319 of the Delta State Criminal Code Law, 2006.

In an attempt to facilitate the murder, Edozien had promised Enuebuka musical equipment in exchange for his cooperation.

On the day of the incident, Enuebuka allegedly distracted Mrs. Odinuwe’s sister, Mrs. Paulinah Okonji, under the pretense of negotiating the purchase of scrap metal situated behind the house, allowing Edozien to enter his mother’s room without being challenged.

Once inside, he proceeded to strangle her to death.

Despite the lack of an eyewitness and Mrs. Okonji's refusal to testify, the prosecution relied on the “Doctrine of Last Seen” and police detective testimonies to confirm the guilt of both defendants.