Akwa Ibom: Man sentenced to death for kidnapping four-year-old

A man, Ekerete Ukpong of Udok Atai community, Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, on Thursday, wailed uncontrollably after the High Court sitting in Ikot Ekpene sentenced him to death for kidnapping a four-year-old boy.

The presiding judge, Justice Augustine Odokwo, said the prosecuting counsel had told the court that the victim, Success Amos Kalu, a native of Ohafia in Abia State, is yet to be found since he was kidnapped on 25 September 2015, at Ibiakpan Akananwan, Ikot Ekpene.

He said the court found the convict guilty of kidnapping, punishable by death, under section one of Akwa Ibom State Internal Security and Enforcement Law, 2009.

While condemning the spike in kidnapping across the country, Odokwo urged everyone to join hands in ensuring that the menace is tackled.

He held that “the convict is taking the punishment alone although records show that he acted in consent with others, who are now at large.”

Justice Odokwo added the judgement should serve as a warning to everyone that the full weight of the law will descend on kidnappers.

He held, “I have gone through Section 1 (2) of Akwa Ibom State Internal Security and Enforcement Law 2009, the section that provides for punishment for the offence of kidnapping. That section of the law provides for only one punishment. I will in this circumstance, follow the law and the law only. The sentence of this Court against the convict is death.”

The court held that “His Excellency, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State will determine the means and place of the execution within the State.”

Newsmen report that before the sentence, Odokwo had changed to a black cap and the convict wept uncontrollably in the courtroom before he was whisked away by officials of Nigeria Correctional Centre, Ikot Ekpene.