In a landmark ruling, the Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo has sentenced Sunday George Andrew, also known as Sunday Akpan Adede, to death by hanging for the kidnapping of two brothers, Chief Israel Efefiong Utit and Pastor Bassey Utit. The crime took place on November 29, 2015, when Andrew, a native doctor from Ikono Local Government Area, conspired with accomplices to abduct the brothers from Nkemba Street, Uyo. The victims were held at Andrew's shrine in Ikot Enua, Ikono, where a ransom of N50 million was demanded.
Andrew, who was charged alongside Ibe Francis Emeka on counts of conspiracy, kidnapping, and armed robbery, was found guilty, while Emeka was acquitted. The court ruled that the prosecution failed to prove Emeka's involvement in the crimes. Emeka, from Abia State, claimed he was lured to Uyo by a friend and unwittingly became involved in the kidnapping incident.
Justice Gabriel Ette, delivering the judgment, described Emeka as an "innocent man" who was inadvertently caught up with the wrong people. The judge highlighted that Emeka was restricted and monitored by the real kidnappers, indicating his lack of complicity. Emeka was instrumental in the escape of the victims, further corroborating his innocence.
The court emphasized that Emeka's actions post-escape, including staying with the victims until authorities arrived, demonstrated his non-involvement in the kidnapping scheme. Justice Ette warned Emeka to be cautious of his associations in the future, ultimately declaring him not guilty and ordering his release after ten years in custody.
