A 35-year-old taxi driver has received a life sentence for the murder of his girlfriend, Jennifer Atieku, a 20-year-old student at UPSA.
This followed a unanimous 7-0 verdict from a seven-member jury, which found Paul Evename guilty of murdering her after she threatened to end their relationship. Evename stabbed Atieku multiple times—20 in total—at her hostel after she chose to end their five-year relationship. He later apologized to both families and the state for his actions.
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“To the family of the victim and my own family, I acknowledge that I have wronged you all and disappointed you deeply. I sincerely pray for your forgiveness.
I accept the guilty verdict,” the convict stated before his sentencing.
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Sentencing
Presiding Judge Justice Lydia Osei Marfo expressed her regret: “I wish I had the authority to impose a different punishment than life imprisonment. Unfortunately, the law does not grant me that discretion; the sentence must be life in prison. "
“I hereby sentence the accused to life imprisonment. I wish him the best,” the judge stated.
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Prosecution
Principal State Attorney Seth Awere-Opanyinyena, leading the prosecution, asserted that substantial evidence had been presented, including testimony from five witnesses, to establish Evename’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. He referenced Biblical scripture, directing the jurors to Proverbs 17:15, which states, “Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent—the Lord detests them both,” and Hebrews 9:27, which says, “Just as people are destined to die once and after that to face judgment.”
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Self-Defense
In contrast, Defense Counsel Mumin Mashood argued that Evename acted in self-defense, highlighting the loving nature of his relationship with the deceased, Jennifer Atieku, and her decision to end it. He contended that their relationship was “one of love, not hate,” and claimed the prosecution failed to prove murder, suggesting that the actions were a result of self-defense amidst danger.
Counsel urged the jury to consider John 8:7-11, acknowledging that events transpired tragically but were beyond his client’s control. He concluded that the prosecution’s case was inconclusive and maintained that Evename did not deliberately kill his girlfriend, warranting a verdict against murder.
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Credit:Graphic Online.
