A 29-year-old man, Akaninyene Thomas Okpon, has been sentenced to death by hanging by the Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo for the killing of his elder brother, Friday Thomas Enyenokpon, whom he accused of causing his misfortunes through witchcraft.
The murder took place in 2018 at Ikot Abasi Asutan in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area. Akaninyene, a father of three, and his late brother, 37-year-old Ime Thomas Okpon, who was also charged in the case but died in custody before the trial concluded, were involved in the crime.
The two brothers reportedly ambushed their sibling while he was checking his hunting traps. They decapitated him and buried his head separately, leaving the community in deep shock and sorrow.
In Suit No. HU/5C/2019, Justice Okon Okon, presiding over the case on Thursday, ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, citing the defendant’s confession and supporting evidence.
The court noted that the defendant, who only completed primary three, had previously made threats to harm the deceased and other relatives. He also led law enforcement to the location where the body was buried.
In his ruling, Justice Okon stated, “The sentence of the Court upon you, Akaninyere 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, marked as Exhibits 1–1A, be forfeited to the State.
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