The Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo sentenced George Andrew, also known as Sunday Akpan Adede, to death by hanging for the kidnapping of Chief Israel Efefiong Utit and Pastor Bassey Utit.
Andrew, a native doctor from Ikono Local Government Area, had conspired with others, who remain unidentified, to abduct the brothers on November 29, 2015, at Nkemba Street, Uyo. They were held at his shrine in Ikot Enua, Ikono, with a ransom demand of N50 million.
Andrew was tried with Ibe Francis Emeka on charges including conspiracy, kidnapping, and armed robbery, but Emeka was acquitted due to lack of evidence.
Emeka, from Abia State, claimed he was lured to Uyo by a friend known as “Papa” and met the gang leaders, Ukeme Amos (“Bishop”) and Jude Ihemekwa (“Method”), who is also on trial for another kidnapping.
Justice Gabriel Ette, in a one-hour judgment, described Emeka as an innocent bystander who was inadvertently caught up in the crime.
The judge highlighted that Emeka helped the victims escape and remained with them until the DSS arrived, showing them a threatening message from “Papa.” Justice Ette concluded that Emeka’s conduct was not criminal, and he seemed genuine in his testimony.
Emeka was advised to be cautious with his associations and was declared not guilty, ending his decade-long detention.
