In a dramatic verdict delivered at the High Court in Ho, the ringleader of the gang, Richard Adikyere—a mason by profession, was handed a life sentence for his role in the gruesome murder of Sogakope Assemblman.
Presiding judge, Justice John Ekow Mensah, didn’t mince words when delivering the ruling. The court described the crime as “heinous and callous,” highlighting the cold-blooded nature of the attack that robbed a community of a devoted public servant.
Adikyere’s accomplices, Emmanuel Hedzro and Stephen Adzibolo, were also sentenced to 47 years each for their roles in the robbery. Though all three pleaded not guilty, the court found them guilty based on overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution.
According to the case presented by Senior State Attorney Andrews Dodzi Adugu, the crime was orchestrated in early 2020. Hedzro, who knew of Adzahli’s wealth, lured Adikyere into the plot and even led him to the assemblyman’s residence. Adikyere then formed a gang and prepared for the attack.
In the early hours of March 1, 2020, the gang stormed the house. Armed with a pump-action gun and pistols, they broke into the residence using cement blocks. Adikyere shot Adzahli three times at close range, killing him instantly, before they fled with a significant amount of cash.
The post-mortem confirmed the cause of death as severe head and chest injuries from gunshots. It didn’t take long for the police to start rounding up the suspects. Adikyere confessed during interrogation that he pulled the trigger, and it later emerged that the weapon he used was stolen during an earlier robbery.
In a twist to the story, four other gang members, Obed Ayornu, Michael Sam, Samuel Kofi Zotorvi, and Christian Zotorvi, struck plea deals and had already been sentenced to 15 years each.
As the sentencing wrapped up, tensions boiled over when Adikyere, handcuffed to Hedzro, lunged at journalists attempting to take their photos outside the courtroom, a grim reminder of the violent nature that landed them behind bars.
For the people of Sogakope, the sentence brings a measure of closure. A leader taken too soon may never be replaced, but justice, though delayed, has not been denied.
