Akakan Umoh
A Keke ticket seller from Ikot Idaha in Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom was Friday sentenced to death by hanging for robbery and life imprisonment for attempted murder.
Iboro Sunday Akpan, the convict, was prosecuted by Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Justice for robbery attack that occurred in the early hours of July 23, 2025, at Annex B Estate, Ikot Otor in Ikot Ekpene.
Delivering judgment in a Charge No. HT/25C/2025, Justice Augustine D. Odokwo of Akwa Ibom State High Court, Ikot Ekpene held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and convicted the defendant on all the three counts.
Justice Odokwo also held that under the doctrine of common intention, Akpan was criminally liable for the shooting of the victim during the robbery, notwithstanding evidence that another gang member fired the shot.
You read also: Two men sentenced to death for murder in Akwa Ibom
In his obiter dictum, the judge described the attack as a violent criminal operation that nearly claimed the life of the victim, stressing that the punishment prescribed for armed robbery under the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act was mandatory.
However, Justice Odokwo rejected the defence, holding that the evidence amounted to a case of recognition rather than mistaken identity, noting that the victim had known the defendant prior to the incident.
The judge dismissed the defendant’s alibi, holding that it lacked specific details capable of verification and was contradicted by evidence from the defence witness.
“The prosecution has built a watertight and unshakeable case against the defendant,” the Court held.
Subsequently, the court sentenced Akpan to 14 years imprisonment for conspiracy, life imprisonment for attempted murder and death by hanging for robbery, with the custodial sentences subsumed by the capital punishment.
You read also: Dog Sentenced To Death For Mauling His Owner & Son To Death
Earlier, Barr. Camillus Ben, the prosecution’s principal witness, had testified that he was awakened at about 1:23 a.m by a loud bang at the estate gate and confronted an unmasked intruder whom he identified as Akpan, a ticket seller he had known for years on Umuahia Road in Ikot Ekpene.
According to the witness, he recognized the convict from a distance of about four feet before fleeing the scene.
He later sustained gunshot injuries to his ribs and hand when armed robbers opened fire as Police officers responded to a distress call.
The prosecution also presented evidence from a Police officer attached to the Divisional Crack Team, who testified that officers recovered firearms and expended cartridges at the scene after an exchange of gunfire with the robbers.
One suspect was killed during the operation, while another escaped with gunshot wounds but was later tracked to Imo State.
The victim’s wife, who was over eight months pregnant at the time of the attack, told the Court that robbers invaded their residence, stole cash and jewelry valued at N630,000 and attempted to force her to transfer money through a Point-of-Sale (POS) machine.
In his defence, Akpan denied involvement in the robbery, describing himself as a farmer and ticket seller, claiming that he was not at the scene.
“The sentence of this Court is that you, Iboro Sunday Akpan, shall be hanged by the neck until you be dead. And may the Almighty God have mercy upon your soul.” Justice Odokwo, thereafter, declared.
You also read: Robbery: Man Risks Death by Hanging in Akwa Ibom
The Court ordered that the firearms and ammunition tendered as exhibits be returned to Akwa Ibom State Police Command for official destruction, while all exhibits are to remain in court custody pending any appeal.
With additional report by Harrison Essien
