Justice Augustine Odokwo of a high court sitting in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom state, today November 25, sentenced a 31-year-old man, Ekerete Michael Ukpong, to death for kidnapping a 4-year-old boy, Success Amos Kalu, who has not been found till today.
The convict Ukpong, a native of Udok Atai in Ikono Local Government Area of the state, was condemned to death after he was found guilty of kidnapping, an offence punishable by death, under section1 (2) of Akwa Ibom State Internal Security and Enforcement Law, 2009.
The trial judge also held that “the convict is taking the punishment alone although records show that he acted in consent with others, who are now at large. This judgment should send a clear signal to all and sundry that the full weight of the law will descend on kidnappers.
“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 offense 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. His Excellency, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State will determine the means and place of the execution within the State.”he said
Before the sentence, the convict wept profusely in the courtroom before he was whisked away by officials of the Nigeria Correctional Centre, Ikot Ekpene.
