Dismissed Soldier Sentenced to Death by Hanging for Murder and Armed Robbery in Akwa Ibom

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

High Court Delivers Landmark Judgment in Uyo

An Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Uyo has sentenced a dismissed Nigerian Army corporal, Stephen Iweh, to death by hanging for the murder and armed robbery of a Port Harcourt-based manager, Christopher Enobong Jimmy.

Delivering judgment, Justice Bassey Nkanang ruled that the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubt that Iweh brutally killed Jimmy after the deceased had kindly offered him a ride on May 23, 2021.

How the Tragic Incident Unfolded

Akahi News gathered that Iweh, formerly of the 6 Battalion in Ibagwa, Abak Local Government Area, was in military uniform and armed with an AK-47 rifle when the incident occurred along the East-West Road in Ikot Abasi.

Court records revealed that Jimmy, a 42-year-old manager with a clearing and forwarding company in Port Harcourt, encountered Iweh at the Trailer Park in Onne, Rivers State. Out of goodwill, he offered him a lift to Uyo.

However, at Oboro Junction, Ikot Abasi, Iweh reportedly shot Jimmy dead before fleeing with his vehicle and valuables. Investigators later traced him to Andy Guest House in Ukanafun, where he was arrested and the rifle recovered.

Illegal Possession of Military Rifle

Further findings showed that the convict, a father of three, had unlawfully kept the AK-47 rifle he picked up in Dambou, Borno State, in 2018, using it as his personal weapon. On the day of the murder, he was supposed to be on duty at the Army Store in Abak but abandoned his post to carry out the crime.

Justice Nkanang convicted Iweh on a three-count charge of murder, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms. He was sentenced to death by hanging for the first two charges and given 10 years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of firearms.

Court Dismisses Plea for Leniency

The convict’s plea for mercy was rejected, with the judge stressing that the law must take its full course to serve as a deterrent to others.

“This court cannot close its eyes to such a heinous crime. Justice must be served, not just for the victim but also for society,” Justice Nkanang declared.

Akahi News gathered that the judgment underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding justice in cases involving security operatives who violate public trust.

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