Life sentence for taxi driver who stabbed girlfriend 20 times

A 35-year-old taxi driver has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his girlfriend, Jennifer Atieku, a 20-year-old UPSA student.

That was after a seven-member jury returned a 7-0 verdict, which found the convict, Paul Evename, guilty for murdering her when she threatened to end their relationship.

Evename stabbed Atieku 20 multiple times at her hostel after she decided to end their five-year relationship.

The convict apologised to both families and the state for the offence.

“All I will say to the family of the victim (deceased) and my (own) family members is that I have wronged everybody and I have also disappointed them so I pray that they forgive me.

“And I have accepted the guilty verdict,” the convict told the court before his sentencing.

Sentencing

The presiding judge, Justice Lydia Osei Marfo, said she wished she had the power under the law to give a punishment to the convict other than for life imprisonment.

“Unfortunately, I do not have the discretion under the law to do anything other than what the law says and which is imprisonment for life.

“I hereby sentence the accused person to life imprisonment. I wish him the best,” the Judge stated.

Prosecution

The prosecution, led by Principal State Attorney Seth Awere-Opanyinyena, said they have presented substantial evidence, including testimony from five witnesses, to prove Evename’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

In conclusion, he pointed to the Biblical scriptures and directed the jurors to – Proverb 17:15 and Hebrew 9:27. For Proverbs 17:15 (NIV) states: “Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent—the Lord detests them both.”

While Hebrews 9:27 (NIV) states: “Just as people are destined to die once and after that to face judgment.”

Self-defence

On the contrary, the Defence Counsel, Mumin Mashood, argued that Evename acted in self defence, citing the couple’s loving relationship and Jennifer’s decision to curtail it.

He submitted that the relationship between his client and Jennifer Atieku (deceased) was “one of love not hate” He said the prosecution was unable to prove the case of murder but act of self defence in the midst of danger.

The counsel told the jury that his client had to protect his own life and “this took a tragic end beyond his control.”

While responding with verses from the Bible , John 8:7-11 (King James Version), he said things had happened but unfortunately they had happened the way they happened.

He added that the prosecution’s case was not conclusive, and that the accused did not kill his girlfriend deliberately for which he should be convicted for murder.