Court sentences man to death for beheading elder brother

The Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Uyo has sentenced 29-year-old Akaninyene Thomas Okpon to death by hanging for the brutal murder of his elder brother, Friday Thomas Enyenokpon, whom he accused of being a witch responsible for his misfortunes.

The horrific incident took place in 2018 at Ikot Abasi Asutan in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area. Akaninyene, a father of three, conspired with another brother, Ime Thomas Okpon, to ambush and kill Friday, who had gone to check his hunting traps in the bush.

According to court findings, the brothers beheaded their sibling and buried his head separately—a chilling act that sent shockwaves through the community. Sadly, Ime, who was also standing trial for the murder, died in custody before the conclusion of the case.

Delivering judgment, the court held that the evidence presented clearly established Akaninyene’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The judge described the act as “barbaric, inhumane, and without justification,” emphasizing that personal beliefs in superstition cannot be used to justify cold-blooded murder.

Delivering judgment in Suit No. HU/5C/2019,in Uyo on Thursday, the trial judge, Justice Okon Okon, found that the prosecution had established its case beyond a reasonable doubt, relying on the defendant’s confessional statement and corroborating evidence.

The court held that the defendant, a primary three dropout, had earlier issued threats to eliminate the deceased and others in the family and later led the police to the crime scene where the remains of the deceased were recovered.

In his judgement, Justice Okon declared, “The sentence of the Court upon you, Akaninyere Thomas Okpon, is that you be hanged by the neck until you are dead.”

The court also ordered the forfeiture of the murder weapons: two machetes marked as Exhibits 1–1A to the State.