An Akwa Ibom State High Court has sentenced Pastor Victor Etuk to death by hanging for the murder of his landlord, Mr Emmanuel Inyang, at Ikot Ekpene in the state, the court said on Thursday.
The case was heard before Justice Ukey Akpan of the High Court sitting in Akwa Ibom.
The trial stems from events on December 5, 2021, when Mr Etuk was alleged to have stabbed Mr Inyang, his landlord, during a dispute at Ikot Ekpene. The matter proceeded through formal arraignment, trial, and prosecution of evidence.
In court proceedings, the prosecution presented evidence and witness testimonies to support its case against Mr Etuk. The defence also had opportunity to present its case as required by law.
The prosecutor, Mr Friday Effiong, told the court that the incident occurred at about 5:30 pm on December 5, 2021, when the accused and his victim had a disagreement at the landlord’s residence.
The prosecutor said Mr Etuk stabbed Mr Inyang multiple times, resulting in his death.
Evidence before the court included witness testimony and medical reports presented by the prosecution.
The defence presented its own evidence and cross‑examination of prosecution witnesses. Following examination of all evidence, the judge delivered a verdict.
In delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Ukey Akpan said the prosecution had established the case to the required legal standard and found Mr Etuk guilty of murder.
The judge then sentenced him to death by hanging, in accordance with the law of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.
The sentencing of Pastor Etuk to death by hanging reflects the court’s application of the law following conviction for murder.
It highlights the legal consequences of a murder conviction under Nigeria’s criminal justice system and applicable statutes in Akwa Ibom State.
The case may draw public interest due to the involvement of a religious leader and the seriousness of the offence. It also underscores the role of Nigeria’s judicial process in adjudicating serious criminal cases.
