Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Uyo has sentenced a 29-year-old man, Akaninyene Thomas Okpon, to death by hanging for the murder of his elder brother, whom he accused of being a witch and the cause of his life’s misfortunes.
The court found that in 2018, Akaninyene, a father of three and a primary three school dropout, conspired with his other brother, 37-year-old Ime Thomas Okpon, to ambush and kill their blood brother, Friday Thomas Enyenokpon. The incident occurred in Ikot Abasi Asutan, located in the Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.
According to evidence presented before the court, the two brothers laid in wait for Friday, who had gone into the bush to check his hunting traps. They attacked, beheaded him, and buried the head separately from the body—a shocking act that left the local community in disbelief.
While both siblings were initially charged, Ime Thomas Okpon died in police custody before the trial concluded. Akaninyene, however, stood trial alone and was eventually found guilty.
Delivering judgment in the case marked Suit No. HU/5C/2019, the presiding judge, Justice Okon Okon, ruled that the prosecution had established its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The court relied on the defendant’s confessional statement and other corroborative evidence, including his leading the police to the crime scene where the remains were discovered.
Justice Okon noted that Akaninyene had previously issued threats to harm members of his family, including the deceased. His actions, the judge stated, demonstrated premeditation and a clear intent to kill.
In his words: “The sentence of the Court upon you, Akaninyene Thomas Okpon, is that you be hanged by the neck until you are dead.”
Additionally, the court ordered that the two machetes used in the murder—tendered as Exhibits 1 and 1A—be forfeited to the Akwa Ibom State government.
With this ruling, the court has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those who engage in such barbaric acts are held fully accountable for their crimes.