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Akwa Ibom High Court Sentences Man to Death for Killing Nine-Year-Old Student
In a landmark ruling on Friday, the High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, handed down a death sentence to 38-year-old Anwanga Effiong Udofia for the brutal murder of a nine-year-old pupil from Lutheran Primary School, Itoko, located in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The heartbreaking event took place on December 6, 2016, in Nung Oku Akpasima village within Ibesikpo Asutan. The victim, Aniekan Idongesit Edet, a Primary Five student, was attacked while on his way to school. Court documents reveal that the accused, a resident of Itoko Village, chased the young boy wielding two machetes, eventually overpowering him and inflicting fatal wounds.
Eyewitness Account
A close friend of the deceased, who was a Primary Four student, provided a chilling testimony about the morning of the attack. He recalled, “As we were heading to school, I saw Anwanga carrying two machetes-one tucked into his trousers and the other in his hand-and smoking Indian hemp. He began chasing Aniekan, who fled into the bush near the school. I don’t know what happened after because none of the teachers had arrived yet.”
Discovery of the Victim
The following day, children gathering firewood stumbled upon Aniekan’s lifeless body. He was found lying in a pool of blood, still dressed in his school uniform. One of his hands was severed, and a deep machete wound was visible on his neck, confirming the violent nature of the attack.
Legal Proceedings and Verdict
Udo was formally charged with murder under Section 326(1) of the Criminal Code, Volume 2, Laws of Akwa Ibom State. Throughout the trial, the prosecution presented four witnesses and submitted five pieces of evidence to substantiate their case. The defendant also took the stand to testify in his defense.
After careful consideration, Honorable Justice Archibong Archibong ruled that the prosecution had established guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The judge pronounced, “I hereby find the defendant guilty as charged and sentence him to death by hanging. May the Lord have mercy on your soul.”
Community Impact and Justice Served
This verdict brings closure to a case that has deeply affected the Itoko community for nearly ten years. The tragic loss of a young, promising life underscores the importance of justice and the rule of law in Akwa Ibom State.
