Abraka Metro
Elozino Ogege: Lecturers React As Court Sentences Killers Of DELSU First-Class Student To Death
By Kelvin Idi/Melvin Akpesiri
The Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at Delta State University, Abraka, Prof. Majority Oji, has reacted to the July 29 judgement by a Delta State High Court which sentenced two men to death for the murder of a 300-level Mass Communication student, Elozino Joshualia Ogege.
In a statement made available after the judgment, Oji stated that the faculty received the ruling with mixed emotions of relief and grief, noting that although justice appears to have spoken, the pain of losing Elozino remains fresh in the heart of all faculty members.
“Today, justice has spoken, but the pain of losing Zino remains”, he stated.
“At the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, her absence will always be deeply felt. Though she is no longer with us, her memories live in our hearts, and her story will never be forgotten.”
“Rest peacefully, Zino. Your cries from the ‘Great Beyond’ has been heard. Your fight has not been in vain as justice has finally prevailed. We pray that Almighty God will continue to grant you eternal rest.”
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With the sentencing, the Dean said the faculty hopes the judgment will serve as a deterrent and bring some measure of closure to students and staff who have continued to mourn her.
In his reaction, a senior faculty member, Prof. Ben Nwanne observed that the outcome was “Justice served indeed!”
However, Nwanne wondered why “the wheel of justice grind so slowly” in Nigeria unlike what obtains in other parts of the world.
“How do other countries make theirs move faster?”, he queried.
Another lecturer in the Faculty, Dr. Joshua Erubami, regretted that while judgment was appropriate for the crime, the pain of losing Elozino was still fresh in the minds of those who knew her.
“I hail the court for the judgment, but the outcome also reminds us of the irreplaceable loss of Zino to her family, our university community and the world she could have imparted.
“It is over eight years since her murder but I still remember our last conversations on the day before her abduction.
“Elozino was full of potentials and ready to fly like the star she was. May her soul continue to find peace and may God comfort her immediate family.”
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Media Conversation recalls that in November 2018, Elozino Ogege, a 22-year-old first-class undergraduate student of Mass Communication at DELSU, was declared missing.
Her lifeless body was later found days after in abandoned area in circumstances many believed were linked to ritual activities, popularly known as “Yahoo plus”.
The deceased was reportedly killed in Abraka after she went out to meet an agent who was assisting her in securing an apartment within the university community.
Her killing had sparked national outrage, debates on DELSU campuses, and renewed calls from civil society and women’s rights groups for an end to ritual-related violence.
Following spirit investigations, the Delta State Government, through the office of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, had arrested and charged Macaulay Desmond Oghenemaro, Enaike Onoriode, Nwosisi Benedict Uche and Robinson Obajero Ojokojo with an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping, armed robbery and murder.
The case suffered several delays and adjournments over the years, largely due to the repeated absence of counsel representing the first defendant. The trial eventually progressed after the adoption of final written addresses earlier this year and July 29, 2026, was fixed for judgment.
The court, in a judgment delivered by Justice Flora Ngozi Azinge, found Macaulay Desmond Oghenemaro and Enaike Onoriode, guilty of conspiracy, kidnapping, armed robbery and murder, and sentenced them to death by hanging.
However, one of the accused, Nwosisi Benedict Uche, was discharged and acquitted.
The fourth person originally charged in the case, Robinson Obajero Ojokojo, said to be a native doctor, died during the pendency of the proceedings.
The prosecution, led by the Delta State Solicitor-General, Omamuzo Erebe, SAN, had urged the court to convict all three on all counts, insisting that evidence presented proved their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
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In his remarks after the verdict, Erebe described the judgment as a “landmark judgement.”
“Today, we witnessed the conclusion of a trial that commenced about nine years ago. The court found the first and third defendants guilty of the offences of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping,” Erebe said.
“And the offences of conspiracy to commit murder and murder. They were sentenced on various counts of imprisonment. But for the offences of conspiracy to commit murder and the murder of Miss Elozino Ogege, they were sentenced to death by hanging.
“So today, on behalf of the Delta State Government and the Commissioner for Justice, our condolences go to the family. The family has been waiting for justice for nine years, and justice has been delivered to them and the entire family. You could notice that the mother of the deceased was very emotional in court. It is normal. And we are still hopeful. Our prayer is that, yes, this judgement will not bring her back, but it will help them find closure. And that is what we are praying for.”
He continued, “Secondly, this is a judgement that sends a message. The ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ or whatever you call it, ritual killings or whatever, in the end, the law will take its course. So to young men who believe that they want to get rich quickly, yes, through ritual killings, through all these methods, eventually you will end up like the first and third in this matter.
“The law will take its course. No matter how long it takes, the law will eventually take its course. And I advise you to please desist from crime.”
Also reacting to the judgment, Isoko lawyer Duncan Afahokor described the verdict as “Justice at last,” saying it represented justice that was not only done but “manifestly seen to be done.”
“This judgment is not only justice done, but justice manifestly seen to be done. It stands as a powerful lesson to young men who may be deceived into believing that wealth can be attained through the killing of innocent lives for ritual purposes. The law has spoken clearly: such barbaric acts will not go unpunished,” he said.
“I extend my heartfelt regards to the members of the Umeh Need Road Facebook page, whose consistent advocacy and unwavering calls for justice kept Elozino’s memory alive and ensured that her voice was not silenced. May this verdict serve as both a deterrent and a reminder that true prosperity cannot be built on bloodshed, and may Elozino’s soul rest in peace.”
Dr Sebastine Ogoloyoyo Agbefe, former President of Isoko Monitoring Group (IMG), and Xino Monnitey, founder and president of The Ideal Isoko Woman (TIIW), had earlier joined other Isoko sons and daughters and Nigerians in condemning the killing of the young first-class Mass Communication student and calling for justice.
A former Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, Prof. Victor Peretomode, has proposed a tripartite governance model to sustain excellence in the institution.
Peretomode proposed the model at DELSU’s 12th valedictory lecture held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the university’s 750 Lecture Theatre, Site III.
The lecture was titled, “DELSU and the Burden of Expectation: The Challenges of Being Delta State’s Premier University and Rethinking Governance for Sustainable Excellence.”
He said as the state’s premier university, DELSU carries triple burdens — aspirational, political and operational — which translate into expectations such as expanding access to university education for Deltans, accommodating qualified indigenes, advancing state-specific development priorities and producing morally sound and employable graduates.
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Peretomode, a Professor of Educational Administration and Higher Education, said the challenges could be addressed through his proposed “Peretomode Tripartite Model of Governance for Sustainable Excellence,” anchored on three pillars: Leadership Integrity, Funding Predictability and Quality Assurance.
He observed that DELSU has come far, but its journey is far from complete, adding that the burden of expectation it carries is not a weight to be feared, but a responsibility to be fulfilled.
In his remarks, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Visitor to the university, described Peretomode as an academic who contributed immensely to the development of university education in the state.
Oborevwori, who was represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, said the state would still need Peretomode’s wealth of experience as he bows out of service and assured of continued support for DELSU.
On his part, the Vice-Chancellor of DELSU, Prof. Samuel Asagba, lauded Peretomode’s achievements as former VC, noting that his policies, though considered harsh at the time, have placed the university in its present enviable state.
Asagba wished the valedictory lecturer the best in his future endeavours.
Highlights of the event included the launch of two books authored by the valedictory lecturer and a musical rendition by the Department of Music.
Peretomode joined DELSU in 1992 as Senior Lecturer in the Department of Educational Management and Foundations, became a Professor in 1996 and served as its 7th substantive Vice-Chancellor from 2014 to 2019.
The lecture was attended by the Vice-Chancellor of University of Delta, Agbor, Prof. Eric Eboh, Vice-Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada, DELSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Edmund Atakpo, DELSU Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Hilary Owamah, DELSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Douglasson Omotor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Delta, Agbor, Prof. Patrick Ijeh, Provost of Oleh Campus, Prof. Augustine Atonuje, DELSU Registrar, Mrs Rufina Ufiofio, DELSU Bursar, Mrs Otimeyin Ekakitie-Omajuwa, DELSU Librarian, Dr Josephine Onohwakpor, Provosts, Deans, Directors, staff and students of the university.
Also in attendance were the Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Prof. Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, Rector, Delta State Marine Polytechnic, Burutu, Prof. Emmanuel Okoro, Delta business tycoon, Chief Tunde Smooth, Executive Director of Project, DESOPADEC, Chief (Dr) Ebenezer Okorodudu, former DELSU Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, former Dennis Osadebey University Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Robert Ikomi, members of DELSU College of Chaplains, friends and family members of the valedictory lecturer, including his wife, Dr (Mrs) Otaroghene Peretomode.
The release comes barely 24 hours after the state-owned institution released its first batch of admission for the incoming session.
By Ese Umukoro
The serene community of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka was thrown into mourning on Friday, 28th August, 2026, as the remains of Late Prof. Emmanuel Oghenebrorien Akarah, popularly known as, Don Spino, was committed to mother earth.
Speaking during the commendation service at Atscan Hall, Site II of the University, the Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Prof. Samuel Asagba, lamented that he received the sad news of the demise of the deceased on 8th of May, 2026 as a rude shock.
Asagba recalled the personal memories he shared with Akarah as a friend, eulogising his forthrightness, outspokenness and doggedness.
He stated that Don Spino contributed his quota to the growth of the University in different capacities since he was employed into the services of DELSU, adding that his legacy would not be forgotten in the history of DELSU because of his impact on both staff and students.
The Vice Chancellor thereafter led the University community to observe a minute’s silence in honour of the deceased.
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In his commendation earlier, the Head of Department of Human Kinetics, Recreation and Sports Science, Prof. Ochuko Nabofa, eulogised Don Spino, calling him a colleague, a friend, a scholarly collaborator and ultimately an in-law.
Nabofa recollected how himself and the late Don Spino shared ideas, challenged each other intellectually and worked together in the pursuit of knowledge.
Nabofa concluded that Don Spino’s death has left a void in the Department of Human Kinetics, Recreation and Sports Science, in DELSU and in the lives of those who knew him.
He said the bond was further strengthened when in February this year, Don Spino’s cousin, Hon. (Double Chief) Godday Ewenuvie, got married to his younger sister whom he raised as a daughter, thus making them in-laws.
In her oration, the Dean of Faculty of Education, Prof. Florence Ugorji, said Don Spino was a man of the people whose life impacted positively on all who came across him.
Represented by Prof. Canice Ikeorji, the Dean further lamented that the deceased was an asset to the faculty and prayed for the repose of his soul.
Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU-DELSU), Comrade Paul Opone, bemoaned the loss of Don Spino.
In his tributes, Opone recalled the contributions of Don Spino during congresses and how he fought for the Union during its period of crisis.
The union Chairman stated that the passing of Don Spino was a challenge to him and the Union as it would be difficult to get his replacement.
Opone thereafter led members of the Union in singing the solidarity song for a fallen comrade.
The commendation service also witnessed the filing past the casket of Don Spino led by the Vice Chancellor before the remains of Don Spino were taken to Uruekpo Quarters in Evwreni kingdom for interment.
Late Professor Emmanuel Oghenebrorien Akarah joined the services of DELSU in 1995 as Graduate Assistant and rose to the rank of Professor in 2021.
Earlier, a Service of Songs in his honour was held at the DELSU’s Sports Complex on Wednesday, 26th August, 2026.
Dignitaries present at the commendation service included the Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Edmund Atakpo, the University Registrar, Mrs Rufina Ufiofio, represented by Mr Emmanuel Okoro, the University Librarian, Dr (Mrs) Josephine Onohwakpor, Director of Ceremonials, Information and Public Relations, Prof. Enajite Ojaruega, Chairman of ASUU-DELSU, Comrade Paul Opone, Deans of Faculties, Heads of Departments, the University Public Relations Officer, Mr Henry Eseka, family members of the deceased, Professors, staff, students, and others from within and outside the university community.
Those present during the funeral at Evwreni kingdom included the Vice Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Edmund Atakpo, immediate past Provost of Oleh campus, Prof. Elo Ibagere, Directors including the Director of Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (CES), Prof. Onoriode Emoyan, Deans of Faculties including the Dean of Arts Faculty, Prof. Nelson Edewor, Heads of Departments, politicians, business moguls, friends, family members of Don Spino and other mourners.
By God’stime Oyeh
An accident involving a GLK 350 and a commercial motorcyclist happened around 11:30 a.m., reportedly after a case of wrong-lane driving.
According to eyewitnesses, the motorcyclist, popularly known as an “Aboki” bikeman, was coming from the Campus 2 area when he was allegedly hit by the GLK 350 car.
The little damage to the car caused some tension at the scene as both parties tried to explain what happened.
Eyewitnesses said the motorcyclist seemed to be at a disadvantage during the confrontation with the car driver- who was clearly trying to oppress the motorcyclist which led vigilantes and other bystanders to step in and calm things down before it got out of hand.
Things reportedly got more heated when some area boys arrived and tried to help settle the issue. The GLK 350 driver defended himself and shared his version of events, but some witnesses felt his explanation didn’t quite match what they saw happen.
As arguments continued and tempers rose,and with the car driver still wanting to oppress the motorcyclist, the Vigilantes took it upon themselves to caution him since he wasn’t trying to make peace…the matter was eventually taken to the police station for proper investigation and resolution.
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