Akwa Ibom: Native Doctor Sentenced to Death for Kidnapping

On Friday, the Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo sentenced a native doctor, George Andrew, also known as Sunday Akpan Adede, to death by hanging for the kidnapping of Chief Israel Efefiong Utit and Pastor Bassey Utit.

The court found that Andrew, from Ikono Local Government Area, conspired with others still at large to abduct the brothers on November 29, 2015, from Nkemba Street, Uyo. The victims were held at Andrew’s shrine in Ikot Enua, Ikono, with a ransom demand of N50 million.

Andrew faced trial alongside Ibe Francis Emeka on six counts of conspiracy, kidnapping, and armed robbery. While Andrew was convicted, Emeka was acquitted due to insufficient evidence linking him to the crimes.

Justice Gabriel Ette, delivering a one-hour judgment, described Emeka as an “innocent man” who was inadvertently caught in the company of the actual kidnappers. Emeka testified that he was invited to Uyo by a friend, “Papa,” and found himself at a drinking joint with the gang’s leader, Ukeme Amos (alias “Bishop”), and Jude Ihemekwa (alias “Method”), who is currently on trial for another kidnapping case.

Justice Ette highlighted that Emeka was detained alongside the victims and helped them escape, proving his innocence. Emeka did not flee but stayed with the victims until authorities arrived. Text messages threatening Emeka from “Papa” further supported his non-involvement in the crime.

Justice Ette concluded by advising Emeka to be cautious of his associations and declared him not guilty, freeing him after nearly ten years in custody.