A High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has sentenced a 38-year-old man, Anwanga Effiong Udofia, to death by hanging for the gruesome murder of a nine-year-old pupil, Master Aniekan Idongesit Edet.
Justice Archibong Archibong delivered the verdict at the weekend, bringing to a close a protracted legal battle that began in 2016 and had haunted residents of Itoko community in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area for nearly a decade.
The court heard that Edet, a Primary Five pupil of Lutheran Primary School, Itoko, was brutally attacked on December 6, 2016, while on his way to school in Nung Oku Akpasima village. Udofia, who hails from the same community, was said to have pursued the child with two machetes, overpowered him and inflicted fatal injuries.
A schoolmate, who witnessed part of the attack, told the court that the assailant chased the boy into nearby bushes before disappearing from sight.
The victim’s mutilated body was discovered the following day by children searching for firewood, lying in a pool of blood and still clad in his school uniform, with one hand severed and deep machete cuts on his neck.
Udofia was arraigned on a one-count charge of murder, contrary to Section 326(1) of the Criminal Code, Vol. 2, Laws of Akwa Ibom State. During trial, the prosecution called four witnesses and tendered five exhibits, while the defendant testified in his defence.
In his judgement, Justice Archibong held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
“I find the defendant guilty as charged and accordingly convict him. 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,” the judge declared.
Reacting to the verdict, a community leader, Chief Udobong Akai, said the judgement, though long delayed, had brought a measure of closure to the devastated community.
“This is justice for a promising young life brutally cut short. While nothing can replace the child, the community can now begin to heal,” he said.
The conviction marks one of the most high-profile murder cases in the state in recent years and underscores the judiciary’s resolve to deal decisively with violent crimes.
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