Nine-year trial ends as Akwa Ibom High Court delivers judgment in Eket
By Emmanuel Ntekim
A 27-year-old man, Edinyanga Samuel Akpan, has been sentenced to death by hanging by the Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Eket for murdering his uncle, Kufre Godwin Eno, over an allegation of witchcraft.
Justice Pius Idiong, who delivered the judgment on Wednesday, held that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant intentionally stabbed the deceased to death.
The incident, which occurred on December 4, 2017, at Ikot Inyang, Okon, in Eket Local Government Area, saw the convict stab his uncle in the chest during a disagreement.
The victim was rushed to Emmanuel General Hospital, Eket, where he was later confirmed dead.
Although the defendant had earlier pleaded not guilty, he later begged the court for leniency, expressing remorse.
Justice Idiong, however, ruled that murder is a capital offence under the law, leaving no room for a lesser sentence.
The case, which lasted nine years, was prosecuted by the Ministry of Justice, with U. F. Effiong for the state, while Victor Udeh represented the defendant.
