Man Sentenced to Death by Hanging for Beheading Brother Over Witchcraft Allegation
A 29-year-old man, Akaninyene Thomas Okpon, has been sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of his elder brother, Friday Thomas Enyenokpon, in Akwa Ibom State.
The Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Uyo found Okpon guilty of the 2018 killing, which took place in Ikot Abasi Asutan, Ibesikpo Asutan LGA.
Okpon, along with another brother, the late Ime Thomas Okpon, had ambushed and beheaded the victim, accusing him of being a witch responsible for their misfortunes.
Ime, who was also standing trial, died in custody before the case concluded, leaving Akaninyene as the sole defendant.
Justice Okon Okon, delivering judgment in Suit No. HU/5C/2019, ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, citing the convict’s confessional statement and physical evidence.
The judge noted that Okpon had previously threatened to kill family members and later led the police to the buried remains of the deceased.
“The sentence of the Court upon you… is that you be hanged by the neck until you are dead,” Justice Okon declared.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of the two machetes used in the killing, which were presented as evidence during trial.
