In a significant legal development, 20-year-old Owei Mathew from Amasomma, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area in Bayelsa State, has been sentenced to 29 years in prison by the Bayelsa State High Court. The charges that led to this substantial sentence include cultism, robbery, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
The arrest of Mathew took place in September 2021 when security operatives apprehended him for his alleged involvement in a robbery. The incident involved breaking into the home of Festus Ezegwe in the back of Obele near Melford Okilo Road. During the burglary, Mathew reportedly stole a Samsung Android phone and N55,000.
As the victim, Festus Ezegwe, and his wife resisted Mathew's attempt to flee, they managed to apprehend him. The arrest was carried out by the Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad led by CSP Nsimo Benson, marking a pivotal moment in the case.
Following his arrest, Mathew faced charges in court and was remanded in prison custody during the ongoing legal proceedings. The court delivered its verdict in 2023 when Mathew was 20 years old, imposing a 29-year prison sentence to be served concurrently for the various offenses, including attempted robbery, grievous harm, cultism, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
The comprehensive legal action against Mathew sheds light on the severity of the charges and emphasizes the commitment to justice in the Bayelsa State High Court. The outcome serves as a deterrent and underscores the consequences individuals face when engaging in criminal activities like robbery and cultism.