Charles Baridolee murder conviction: Rivers High Court sentences him to death by hanging for killing Gerald Tekena in Bodo community, Gokana LGA

Charles Baridolee murder conviction reached a grim conclusion on Thursday as a Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt sentenced the accused to death by hanging for killing one Gerald Tekena in 2024.

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Baridolee was found guilty of inflicting fatal machete wounds on Tekena during a heated quarrel in the Bodo community, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

According to court records, the altercation began after Baridolee warned Tekena to stop giving money to his family, claiming it was making them disrespect him. The warning soon escalated into a violent confrontation that led to Tekena’s death.

Delivering judgment, Justice Augusta Chukwu ruled that the prosecution proved the charge of murder beyond reasonable doubt through compelling evidence and the convict’s own confessional statement. The judge subsequently ordered that Baridolee “be hanged by the neck until he is confirmed dead.”

Speaking to journalists after the verdict, Chief Prosecution Counsel from the Ministry of Justice, Ordu Precious, commended the ruling, describing it as a victory for justice and a sign of hope for the victim’s family.

“Well, the judgment today is well-deserved. We presented our case diligently and proved the defendant’s guilt. Justice has been served,” he said.

Defence counsel, Angus Chukwuka, while acknowledging the judge’s detailed evaluation of the case, disclosed his intention to appeal the verdict, citing the gravity of a capital punishment case.

“The court has delivered a well-considered judgment,” Chukwuka said. “However, since this concerns life, we will explore the option of an appeal to possibly have the decision set aside.”

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The conviction brings closure to a case that has drawn attention across Rivers State, reinforcing the judiciary’s resolve to uphold justice in violent crime cases.