A Bayelsa State High Court has convicted Prudent Oguruguru, the Senior Special Assistant on General Duties to Governor Douye Diri, on charges of assault.
The ruling, delivered by Justice I. A. Orukari, follows an incident in which Oguruguru allegedly assaulted one Ubong Effiong Ubek at Agudama-Epie in Yenagoa Local Government Area on February 20, 2024.
According to the charges, Oguruguru’s violent attack on Ubek left the victim unconscious. The governor’s aide was subsequently arrested and faced five counts, including conspiracy, attempted murder, assault occasioning harm, serious assault, and malicious damage.
Though Oguruguru pleaded not guilty to the charges, the prosecution, led by counsel D.J. Olubowale, presented a robust case. Six witnesses testified against Oguruguru, and seven exhibits were admitted as evidence. After careful deliberation, Justice Orukari found Oguruguru guilty of the assault charge, saying the prosecution had proven the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
However, the court dismissed the charges of attempted murder, ruling that the prosecution failed to establish sufficient evidence to substantiate the claim.
In the sentencing phase, Oguruguru’s defense counsel, Abadiofoni, made a plea for leniency, noting that his client was a first-time offender. Oguruguru himself took the stand and also pleaded for mercy, highlighting his role as the sole provider for his young family and aged mother. His allocutus was backed by a show of remorse for the assault.
Despite the defendant’s plea, the prosecution strongly objected to the manner in which the allocutus was made, citing a Supreme Court ruling that only the defendant himself could offer such a plea. Nonetheless, Justice Orukari ruled that Oguruguru would face three years of imprisonment for count one (assault occasioning harm) and another three years for count three (serious assault). These sentences are to run concurrently. However, both sentences come with the option of a N250,000 fine for each count, which Oguruguru can pay in lieu of imprisonment.
The incident has drawn significant public attention, given Oguruguru’s position as an aide to the state’s governor. The assault, which occurred in February 2024, reportedly left the victim unconscious and sparked outrage in the local community. The Bayelsa State High Court’s decision to convict Oguruguru has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising the judiciary for holding a public official accountable, while others have raised concerns about the perceived leniency of the sentence.
Oguruguru’s conviction marks a significant moment in the state’s judicial system, particularly as it pertains to the accountability of public servants. Although his legal team has expressed intentions to appeal the verdict, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the law, irrespective of an individual’s position or status.
The conviction of Prudent Oguruguru underscores the growing scrutiny of the behavior of public officials in Bayelsa State and across Nigeria. As the case progresses through the judicial system, it is expected to contribute to ongoing debates on the role of accountability and integrity among those in positions of power. The court’s decision, particularly with the option of a fine, reflects a growing trend of balancing punitive measures with opportunities for restitution, though critics may view the sentence as insufficient for such a serious offense.
