Bayelsa Governor’s Aide Sentenced To Jail For Assault
A Bayelsa State High Court has sentenced Prudent Oguruguru, a Senior Special Assistant on General Duties to Governor Douye Diri, to three years imprisonment after convicting him on charges of conspiracy to commit assault and assault occasioning harm.
The charges stemmed from an incident on February 20, 2024, in Agudama-Epie, where Oguruguru assaulted Ubong Effiong Ubek, leaving the victim unconscious. The accused faced a five-count charge, including conspiracy, attempted murder, assault occasioning harm, serious assault, and malicious damage.
During the trial, Oguruguru pleaded not guilty to all charges. The prosecution presented six witnesses and submitted seven exhibits to support its case.
Delivering judgment, Justice I.A. Orukari noted that the prosecution failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the charges of attempted murder and malicious damage (counts two, four, and five). However, the court ruled that sufficient evidence established Oguruguru’s guilt on charges of conspiracy to commit assault and assault occasioning harm (counts one and three).
In his allocutus, Oguruguru pleaded for leniency, citing his role as the sole provider for his young family and elderly mother. Justice Orukari acknowledged the defendant’s remorse and first-time offender status, sentencing him to three years imprisonment for each count, with an option of a ₦250,000 fine per count. The sentences will run concurrently.
This ruling highlights the judiciary’s commitment to holding public officials accountable for their actions while allowing for judicial discretion in sentencing.
