Nearly a decade after the killing of a nine-year-old schoolboy in Akwa Ibom State, the High Court sitting in Uyo has sentenced the perpetrator to death by hanging.
Justice Archibong Archibong, at the weekend, convicted and sentenced 38-year-old Anwanga Effiong Udofia for the murder of Master Aniekan Idongesit Edet, a pupil of Lutheran Primary School, Itoko. The court held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Court records revealed that the incident occurred on December 6, 2016, when the young boy was on his way to school. Udofia was accused of attacking Aniekan with machetes along the route. A witness, who was said to be a friend of the victim, testified that he saw Udofia pursuing the child at the time of the incident.
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The body of the schoolboy was discovered the following day, bearing severe injuries. The matter sparked outrage and deep sorrow within the Itoko community, where the victim and his family lived.
During the trial, the prosecution called several witnesses and tendered evidence linking Udofia to the crime. After reviewing the testimonies and exhibits, Justice Archibong ruled that the evidence clearly established Udofia’s guilt, leading to his conviction and sentencing.
Reacting to the judgment, Chief Udobong Akai, a community leader in Itoko, described the ruling as a painful but necessary step toward justice. He said the verdict had brought a measure of closure to the community after almost ten years of mourning and unanswered questions.
The case is one of the most closely followed criminal trials in the area in recent years, underscoring longstanding calls for justice for victims of violent crimes and accountability for offenders.