The Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo sentenced George Andrew, also known as Sunday Akpan Adede, to death by hanging on Friday for kidnapping two brothers, Chief Israel Efefiong Utit and Pastor Bassey Utit.
Andrew, a native doctor from Ikono Local Government Area, conspired with others who are still at large to kidnap the brothers on November 29, 2015, at Nkemba Street in Uyo.
He held them at his shrine in Ikot Enua, Ikono, demanding a ransom of N50 million.
Andrew was tried alongside Ibe Francis Emeka on six charges, including conspiracy, kidnapping, and armed robbery. However, the court acquitted Emeka due to insufficient evidence against him.
Emeka, from Abia State, claimed he was invited to Uyo by a friend, "Papa," and taken to a drinking spot where he met the kidnap gang leaders Ukeme Amos ("Bishop") and Jude Ihemekwa ("Method"), who is on trial for another kidnapping case.
In a one-hour judgment, Justice Gabriel Ette described Emeka as an innocent victim who was inadvertently in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The judge noted that Emeka was held captive alongside the other victims and initiated their escape plan. He also stayed with the victims until the DSS arrived and showed them a threatening text from "Papa."
Justice Ette concluded that Emeka did not behave like a criminal and seemed sincere in his testimony.
Emeka was advised to be cautious about his associations and was declared not guilty of the charges, ending his 10-year custody.
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