A Delta State High Court sitting in Asaba on Tuesday sentenced one Lucky Anyali to death by hanging for killing one Emeka Ashibuogwu.

Anyali, a 26-year-old builder was said to be having an affair with the estranged wife of the deceased.

The deceased and his estranged wife had a 3-year-old daughter before they broke up.

On one of the occasions when the deceased reportedly visited his estranged wife and daughter, he had a scuffle with Anyali.

On another occasion, the deceased had also gone to see his sick daughter when Anyali became furious on sighting him and immediately, he (Anyali) allegedly picked a kitchen knife and descended on his rival.

He reportedly stabbed Ashibuogwu in the chest region, leaving him in the pool of his blood before he was rushed to the Ogwashi-Uku General Hospital where he was confirmed dead.

The accused reportedly fled into the bush that night, but was later fished out the following morning by youths in the area who handed him over to the police at Ogwash-Uku Division.

Anyali, who was convicted on a one-count charge of murder, committed the offence on February 18, 2014 at Ogwashi-Uku within the Ogwashi-Uku Judicial Division.

The offence is punishable under Section 319(1) of the Criminal Code Cap C. 21 Volume 1, Laws of Delta State of Nigeria, 2006.

Anyali told police investigators in his voluntary statement that he committed the act in self-defense, a position he maintained during trial but was dismissed by the court.

The presiding judge, Hon. Justice Cletus Emifoniye, dismissed the accused’s plea and sentenced him to death by hanging.