Aniefiok Christopher
A 30-year-old man from Akwa Ibom, Monday, was given a life imprisonment for his involvement in the abduction of the State High Court judge, Justice Joy Unwana.
Nkereuwem Felix Effiong was convicted for kidnap of Justice Unwana and her driver, Idorenyin Ekanem, along Okobo Esuk Inwang–Ndon Ebom Road on December 18, 2023. During the attack, the judge’s police orderly, ThankGod Ekanem, was shot dead.
Investigations by the State Security Service led to Effiong’s arrest along Ikot Ekpene Road on July 4, 2024.
Also read: Gunmen kill police orderly, abduct High Court Judge in Akwa Ibom- Police
Effiong later admitted his role in multiple kidnappings carried out by a criminal group known as the “Bling Bling Marine Striker Force,” headed by one Ubong Effiong, alias “Condiment,” who remains at large.
In his statement to investigators, he stated that he participated in three major abductions, including that of Justice Unwana.
He revealed that the gang collected N25 million ransom for the judge’s release, from which he received N300,000.
Also read: Akwa Ibom High Court Judge, driver return from captivity
Effiong also confessed to the kidnapping of a pastor of The Apostolic Church in Oron and another victim whose family paid N5 million, from which he received N50,000.
The convict told investigators that the gang frequently used mini-buses for their operations and occasionally targeted locals and fishermen to raise funds.
Effiong pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy, membership of a terrorist group, kidnapping, and concealing information about the gang’s activities.
On Monday, February 23, 2026, Justice Chigozie Sergius Onah of the Federal High Court in Uyo found Effiong guilty on three counts and sentenced him to 25 years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit terrorism, 20 years for membership of a terrorist group, and life imprisonment for the kidnapping of Justice Unwana.
He was, however, discharged and acquitted on the charge of concealing information.
The ruling marks a key victory for law enforcement in Akwa Ibom State and sends a stern warning to kidnapping syndicates operating in the region.
