Man bags 17 years for kidnapping Delta journalist

A Delta State High Court sitting in Asaba, yesterday sentenced the abductor of a Warri-based journalist, Chief Monday Whiskey, to 17 years in prison.
The presiding Judge, Justice F.N.
Azinge, who found the convict, Okporua Otobrise, guilty of the charge brought against him, sentenced him to seven years of Count 1; and 10 years on count 2.
Otobrise, who hails from Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state and others at large, allegedly kidnapped Whiskey on March 19, 2012, at Orhuwhorhun in Udu Council Area of the state.
Justice Azinge handed the judgment after the Prosecuting Counsels, T.P.I, Uriah, and E.S.Ifedora, concluded their arguments, declaring that the sentence would serve as a deterrent to other kidnappers.
He said, “It is common knowledge that the spate of kidnapping is on the increase in Nigeria, particularly in Delta state.
The sentence is to serve as a deterrent to others who believe that kidnapping is a lucrative enterprise or business and to rid the society of people like the defendant who lived on crime.
“Therefore, I will pronounce the sentence as is provided under the law.
You James Okporua Otobrise is hereby sentenced as follows: Count I, 7 years imprisonment; Count II, 10 years imprisonment; to run concurrently.” Kidnapping is punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap C21, Volume 1, Laws of Delta state of Nigeria, 2006 and Section 364 (2) of the Criminal Code, Cap C21, Volume 1, Laws of Delta state of Nigeria 2006.