The Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Eket has sentenced a 27-year-old man, Edinyanga Samuel Akpan, to death by hanging for the murder of his uncle, Kufre Godwin Eno, over allegations of witchcraft.
Judgment Delivered
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, April 12, 2026, Hon. Justice Pius Idiong found the defendant guilty of a one-count charge of murder. The incident occurred on Monday, 4th December, 2017, at Ikot Inyang, Okon, in Eket Local Government Area.
Details of the Crime
During a disagreement, the convict stabbed his uncle in the chest with a knife. The victim was rushed to Emmanuel General Hospital, Eket, where he was later confirmed dead. Edinyanga, a native of Ikot Obioro in Eket and a primary school dropout, had initially pleaded not guilty during the trial. However, on the day of judgment, he pleaded for leniency, expressing regret for his actions.
Court's Decision
After reviewing the evidence, the court held that the act was intentional and unlawful. Justice Idiong stated that his hands were tied, noting that murder is a capital offence and that he had no discretion under the law to impose a lesser sentence. In pronouncing the sentence of death by hanging, the judge prayed for God to have mercy on the convict’s soul.
Legal Process
The judgment brings to a close a prolonged legal process that lasted nine years in the court. The case was prosecuted by the State through the Ministry of Justice, with U. F. Effiong, Esq., Assistant Chief State Counsel for the Prosecution, while Victor Udeh, Esq. was the lead counsel for the defendant. The matter was initially handled by Hon. Justice Nsemeke Daniel before being transferred, thereafter before Hon. Justice Ezekiel Enang and started de-novo before Hon. Justice Pius Idiong.
