The Akwa Ibom State High Court, sitting in Uyo, has sentenced Sunday George Andrew, also known as Sunday Akpan Adede, to death by hanging for his involvement in the kidnapping of two brothers, Chief Israel Efefiong Utit and Pastor Bassey Utit. The judgment was delivered on Friday.
Andrew, a native doctor from Ikono Local Government Area, was found guilty of conspiring with others, who are still at large, to kidnap the brothers on November 29, 2015. The victims were abducted on Nkemba Street, Uyo, and were subsequently held in Andrew’s shrine at Ikot Enua, Ikono. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of N50 million.
Andrew faced a six-count charge of conspiracy, kidnapping, and armed robbery. The court found him guilty of all charges. However, his co-defendant, Ibe Francis Emeka, was acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
Emeka, a native of Abia State, testified that he was invited to Uyo by a friend named “Papa” and was inadvertently involved in the kidnapping. He recounted being taken to a drinking joint on Nkemba Street, where he met gang members Ukeme Amos, also known as “Bishop,” and Jude Ihemekwa, known as “Method.” The gang intercepted a black Toyota Corolla, forcibly removed the brothers, and transported them to another vehicle. Emeka was ordered to sit in the front seat while “Bishop” and the victims were in the back, and “Papa” drove the victims' car away.
In his one-hour judgment, Justice Gabriel Ette described Emeka as “an innocent man and a victim of circumstance.” He noted that Emeka had been detained along with the kidnapped brothers and played a crucial role in their escape.
“He was, like the main victims, put in the same room with them; that piece of evidence was not debunked,” Justice Ette stated. “If he was a kidnapper, his access and exit would not have been restricted.”
The judge highlighted that Emeka had stayed with the victims after their escape and even showed a threatening text from “Papa” to the DSS officers. This evidence, combined with Emeka’s demeanor in court, led to his acquittal.
“The first defendant did not run away upon their escape but followed the victims to their residence, got refreshed, had his bath, and stayed behind with them till the DSS showed up,” Justice Ette said.
Justice Ette concluded by advising Emeka to be cautious in choosing his friends. “Unlike Jonathan in the camp of King Saul, Ibe Francis Emeka won’t die, at least not in my hands,” he said. “Today, I have the honor of breaking the chains of bondage that held him down for 10 years. I declare him not guilty and free him accordingly.”
The case underscores the court's commitment to delivering justice while ensuring that innocent individuals are not wrongfully punished.
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