35 Year Old Taxi Driver Jailed over killing 20 year old UPSA girlfriend

A 35-year-old taxi driver, Paul Evename  has been sentenced to life imprisonment for killing  his girlfriend  Jennifer Atieku, a 20-year-old UPSA student.

This step following the jury delivery of a 7-0 unanimous verdict, finding  him guilty of deliberately killing Jennifer after she threatened  to end their relationship.

The convict who accepted the verdict, confessed to both families and acknowledged his wrongful act and pleaded with the court to give him time to heal from a wound before sentencing.

“All I will say to the family of the victim (deceased) and my (own) family members is that I have wronged everybody and I have also disappointed them so I pray that they forgive me.

“And I have accepted the guilty verdict,” the Convict told the Court before his sentencing.

“I thank the Court and the Jury for the decision. I accept the guilty verdict but I pray to the honourable court that I am not fit myself. I have a wound on my body so I pray the court to give me some time to heal. I have a wound on my body and pray the court considers my sentencing.”

However , Justice Lydia Osei Marfo, while conveying condolences for the loss of two young lives, said that the court had no legal discretion to impose anything less than life imprisonment.

Also read;4 Ghanaian Students Jailed for Fake High School Transcripts to Enter American University

“Today, (Wednesday, September 18, 2024) I am confronted with the situation which is very difficult to take a decision about two young people whom in principle their family and Ghana have lost.

“One is dead and the other is thought alive but his freedom has to be taken away from him till he dies in prison custody.

“Painful as the death of Jennifer, the young lady in question is and the need to do justice as the case demands, I wish it lies in my power to give a punishment to the convict other than for life.

“Unfortunately, I do not have the discretion linder the law to do anything other than what the law says and which is imprisonment for life. I hereby sentence the accused person to life imprisonment. I wish him the best,” the Judge stated.

The violent- attack began in 2015, where Evename who was 26 then stabbed 20-year old Jennifer repeatedly at her hostel after she decided to leave a ill-fated five- year relationship.

The prosecution, led by Principal State Attorney Seth Awere-Opanyinyena, said they has shown a sheer evidence, involving testimony from five witnesses, to confirm that Evename is guilty.

Evename made his final utterance by quoting the Biblical scriptures and directed the jurors to – Proverb 17:15 and Hebrew 9:27.

For Proverbs 17:15 (NIV) states: “Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent—the Lord detests them both.”

While Hebrews 9:27 (NIV) states: “Just as people are destined to die once and after that to face judgment.”

On a contrary, Defense Counsel Mumin Mashood contended that Evename acted in self-defense, highlighting  the couple’s loving relationship and Jennifer’s sudden decision to sever it.

He submitted that, the relationship between his client and Jennifer Atieku (deceased) was “one of love not hate”

He said, prosecution was unable to prove the case of murder but act of self defence in the midst of danger.

Counsel told the jury that, his clues had to protect his own life and “this took a tragic end beyond his control.”

While responding with Bible quotes from John 8:7-11 (King James version), said things have happened but unfortunate that things have happened the way it happend.

But, concludes that, Prosecution’s case is not conclusive that the accused killed the girlfriend deliberately for which he should be convicted for murder.

In her summing up, Justice Marfo directed the jury by recounting all the evidence and testimony of the parties, the law involved and its application.

The Court while directing the jury said their verdict must be based on their consideration of the evidence heard in the courtroom and not outside the courtroom.

The Court said per the amendment law, their verdict mail be 7-0 unanimous decision or 6-1 or 5-2 for his guilt to be determined.

The Court also reminded them that previously the offense of murder carried death penalty but now section 46 have been amended to life imprisonment.

According to brief facts, the Complainant is the caretaker of Obama Hostel near Rawlings Circle/Madina Polyclinic, whilst the deceased Jennifer Atieku aged 20 was a level 300 Banking and Finance student of the University of Professional Studies – Accra and a resident  of the aforementioned hostel.

Kindly share our story on; 35 Year Old Taxi Driver Jailed over killing 20 year old UPSA girlfriend

For more stories; click Here.