The Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Uyo has sentenced 29-year-old Akaninyene Thomas Okpon to death by hanging for the brutal murder of his elder brother, Friday Thomas Enyenokpon, whom he accused of witchcraft.
The incident, which took place in 2018 at Ikot Abasi Asutan in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, involved the beheading of the victim by Akaninyene and another brother, Ime Thomas Okpon, who died in custody before the trial concluded.
The court heard that the convict had trailed the deceased to his hunting site and, along with his late co-accused, ambushed and killed him. They buried the head separately from the body.
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Delivering judgment in Suit No. HU/5C/2019, Justice Okon Okon said, “The prosecution has established its case beyond reasonable doubt. The confession of the accused and the corroborating evidence leaves no room for doubt.”
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Justice Okon added, “This act is a complete disregard for the sanctity of human life. It is barbaric, inhumane, and cannot be condoned in a civilized society.”
He further declared, “The sentence of the Court upon you, Akaninyene Thomas Okpon, is that you be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May God have mercy on your soul.”
The court also ordered the forfeiture of two machetes used in the murder, marked Exhibits 1 and 1A, to the state government.
During the trial, a witness testified, “He had always threatened to deal with his elder brother, claiming he was the reason he couldn’t succeed in life.”
