UYO — A High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has sentenced 29-year-old Akaninyene Thomas Okpon to death by hanging for the brutal murder of his elder brother, Friday Thomas Enyenokpon, in Ikot Abasi Asutan, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.

According to court records, Akaninyene, a father of three, conspired with his older brother, Ime Thomas Okpon, 37, to ambush and kill Friday in 2018 while the victim was checking his hunting traps. The brothers beheaded him and buried the head separately, claiming they believed he was a witch responsible for their misfortunes. Ime later died in custody during the course of the trial.

Delivering judgment in suit No. HU/5C/2019 on Thursday, Justice Okon Okon held that the prosecution had established its case beyond reasonable doubt, citing the defendant’s confession and supporting evidence.

The court noted that Akaninyene, who dropped out of primary school in Grade Three, had previously threatened to kill the deceased and other family members. He also led police to the crime scene, where the remains were discovered.

Justice Okon pronounced:
“The sentence of the court upon you, Akaninyene Thomas Okpon, is that you be hanged by the neck until you are dead.”

In addition, the court ordered that the murder weapons—two machetes labeled as Exhibits 1 and 1A—be forfeited to the state.