38-Yr-Old Man To Die By Hanging For Murdering Wife

A Ho High Court, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick Baayeh, has sentenced Apuru Nugbo Hediku, a 38-year-old man from Ahimadzikope near Kpeve Tornu in the South Dayi District, to death by hanging for murder and attempted suicide. Hediku pleaded not guilty to the two charges of murder and attempted suicide but the seven-member jury unanimously reversed the plea and found him guilty on both charges. The Prosecutor, Mr Simon Adatsi, a senior state attorney of the Attorney-General�s Department, said on August 25, 2010 a misunderstanding ensued between Hediku and his wife, Janet Ladzekpo, 35, at Ahimadzikope. In the heat of the exchanges, Hediku entered his room, brought out a loaded single-barrelled gun and fired at his wife, killing her instantly. According to the prosecutor, Hediku attempted to commit suicide after his dastardly act by firing a shot from the same gun through his mouth. He sustained severe injuries in his upper jaw but did not die. Mr Adatsi said Hediku was arrested and sent to the police station at Kpeve, together with the single-barrelled gun. He was later charged before the court.