Table of Contents
Life Imprisonment for Kidnap Kingpin in Akwa Ibom State
On Monday, February 23, 2026, the Federal High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, handed down a life sentence to 30-year-old Nkereuwem Felix Effiong for his involvement in the abduction of Hon. Justice Joy Unwana, a Judge of the Akwa Ibom State High Court.
Background of the Case
Effiong, originally from Ikot Ekwere in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, was found guilty on three counts out of four charges, including conspiracy, affiliation with a terrorist organization, and kidnapping, as stipulated under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Justice Joy Unwana and her driver, Idorenyin Ekanem, were kidnapped on the evening of December 18, 2023, along the Okobo–Esuk Inwang–Ndon Ebom Road. The victims were held hostage for five days, during which the judge’s police orderly, ThankGod Ekanem, was fatally shot.
Legal Proceedings and Representation
The case was prosecuted by the State Security Service (SSS) in Uyo. Initially, Effiong appeared without legal counsel, prompting the court to assign the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria to represent him, ensuring adherence to due process.
While Effiong pleaded guilty to all four charges, the court entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf for the kidnapping charge due to the gravity of the offense and its severe penalties.
Details of the Charges
The prosecution’s case, titled Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Nkereuwem Felix Effiong, revealed that between November 2023 and May 2024, Effiong conspired with others, including Ubong Effiong (alias “Condiment”), Christopher Eyibio, and Emem Friday, to commit acts of terrorism at Esong Inwang Beach in Uruan Local Government Area.
Effiong was also charged with knowingly being a member of the terrorist group “Bling Bling Marine Strike Force,” led by Ubong Effiong, violating Section 25(1) of the Terrorism Act.
The kidnapping of Justice Unwana and her driver, alongside the killing of her police orderly, constituted another charge under Section 24(2)(b) of the Act. Additionally, Effiong faced accusations of withholding information about the gang’s activities from security agencies, contrary to Section 16(1)(b).
Confession and Gang Activities
In his confession, Effiong admitted joining the “Bling Bling Marine Strike Force” in November 2023 through a contact named Joseph (alias Akpa). He disclosed that the gang operated across multiple local government areas, including Uyo, Uruan, Nsit Atai, Udung Uko, Okobo, and Oron, with their base at Esong Inwang Beach.
Effiong confessed to participating in three kidnappings, including that of Justice Unwana. He revealed the gang received a ransom of ₦25 million for the judge’s release, from which he personally earned ₦300,000.
He also admitted involvement in the abduction of a pastor from The Apostolic Church in Oron and another individual whose family paid ₦5 million for release. Effiong’s share from these ransoms was ₦100,000 and ₦50,000 respectively.
“We never concealed our identities during operations. Before the judge’s release, her family paid ₦25 million as ransom, and I received ₦300,000,” Effiong stated. He further explained that the gang used a minibus for their activities and also engaged in robbing locals and fishermen to supplement their income.
Arrest and Evidence
Effiong was apprehended on July 4, 2024, along Ikot Ekpene Road in Uyo by SSS operatives after extensive investigations into the gang’s criminal activities. The prosecution presented compelling evidence linking him to the gang and their operations at Esong Inwang Beach.
Judgment and Sentencing
Justice Chigozie Sergius Onah, presiding over the case, found Effiong guilty beyond reasonable doubt on counts of conspiracy, terrorist group membership, and kidnapping. He was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for conspiracy, 20 years for terrorist group membership, and life imprisonment for kidnapping.
Effiong was acquitted on the charge of concealing information, as the court found insufficient evidence to convict him on that count.
The life sentence ensures that Effiong will remain incarcerated for the remainder of his natural life, subject to legal provisions.
Significance of the Verdict
This conviction represents a landmark achievement in the fight against kidnapping and terrorism in Akwa Ibom State, reinforcing the judiciary’s commitment to delivering justice in cases involving serious security threats.
