Court Sets January 19, 2026, for Judgment in Rivers Pharmacist’s Murder Trial

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has fixed January 19, 2026, for judgment in the long running murder trial of a pharmacist, Mr. Muenalo Sunday, who was brutally killed in Zaakpo Community, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The presiding judge, Justice Kingsley Chukwu, adjourned the matter for judgment on Wednesday after counsel to both the prosecution and the defence adopted and argued their final written addresses, effectively bringing the trial to a close.

The defendants standing trial in the case are Confidence Kirinee, popularly known as General Illa, Precious Mona, Loveday Legah, and Soniabari Sagha. Other individuals linked to the crime are said to be currently at large and are yet to be brought before the court.

The four defendants are facing charges bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping, and murder in connection with the killing of the pharmacist.

According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on March 5, 2019, when the defendants allegedly kidnapped Muenalo Sunday from Zaakpo Community. The prosecution further alleged that the victim was later killed, dismembered, and his body parts disposed of in different locations to conceal the crime.

Court documents revealed that the remains of the deceased were allegedly dumped in a pit, while his severed head was taken to a shrine located in a bush within a neighbouring community. The prosecution argued that these actions were carried out as part of a ritual related to the crime.

During the course of the trial, the prosecution called several witnesses and tendered exhibits to establish the involvement of the accused persons. The defence, however, consistently denied the allegations, maintaining the innocence of the defendants and urging the court to dismiss the charges on the grounds that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

After hearing the final submissions from both sides, Justice Chukwu reserved judgment and fixed January 19, 2026, for the delivery of the court’s decision.

The case has attracted widespread attention within Khana Local Government Area and across Rivers State, given the gruesome nature of the alleged crime and the long duration of the trial. Members of the community, as well as the family of the deceased, have expressed hope that justice will finally be served when judgment is delivered.

As at the time of filing this report, the defendants remain in custody pending the outcome of the case.