Justice Delivered After Nearly a Decade in Tragic Child Murder Case
A High Court in Akwa Ibom State has finally delivered a verdict in a harrowing case that shocked a local community. Hon. Justice Archibong Archibong sentenced 38-year-old Anwanga Effiong Udofia to death by hanging for the murder of a nine-year-old boy in 2016.
The Fateful Morning and a Brutal Attack
The tragic incident dates back to 6th December 2016 in Nung Oku Akpasima village, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area. The victim, Aniekan Idongesit Edet, a Primary Five pupil of Lutheran Primary School, Itoko, was on his way to school when his life was brutally cut short.
According to evidence presented in court, Udofia, a native of Itoko Village, pursued the young boy while armed with two machetes. He overpowered Aniekan and inflicted fatal injuries. A friend of the deceased, who was a Primary Four pupil at the time, witnessed the chilling prelude to the attack.
The young witness recounted seeing Udofia, known to smoke Indian hemp, carrying the machetes before he began chasing Aniekan, who fled into a bush opposite the school. The teachers had not yet arrived at the school compound when this occurred.
A Gruesome Discovery and a Legal Pursuit
The search for Aniekan ended in tragedy the following day. Children from the community who were gathering firewood made a horrifying discovery. They found the boy's body in a pool of blood, still clad in his school uniform.
The scene was gruesome: one of his hands was severed, and his neck bore a deep cut consistent with a machete attack.
Udofia was subsequently charged with murder under Section 326(1) of the Criminal Code, Vol. 2, Laws of Akwa Ibom State. The prosecution built a strong case during the trial, calling four witnesses and tendering five exhibits to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt. The defendant also took the stand to testify in his own defense.
The Court's Final Judgment
In a packed courtroom in Uyo on Friday, Justice Archibong delivered the long-awaited judgment. The judge held that the prosecution had successfully discharged its burden of proof.
"Therefore, I find the defendant guilty as charged and accordingly convict him," Justice Archibong declared. "The sentence of this court is that you be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May the Lord have mercy on your soul."
This judgment brings closure to a case that has haunted the Itoko community for nearly a decade. It underscores both the tragic loss of a young, promising life and the unwavering course of justice in Akwa Ibom State.
