The Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa
Ibom State, has sentenced 30-year-old Nkereuwem Felix Effiong to life
imprisonment for his role in the kidnapping of Justice Joy Unwana of the Akwa
Ibom State High Court.
Effiong, a native of Ikot Ekwere in Ibesikpo
Asutan Local Government Area, was convicted on three of a four-count charge
bordering on conspiracy, membership of a terrorist group, and kidnapping under
the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Justice Joy Unwana was
abducted on December 18, 2023, alongside her driver, Idorenyin Ekanem, at about
8pm along the Okobo–Esuk Inwang–Ndon Ebom Road. The victims were held captive
for five days. During the attack, the judge’s police orderly, ThankGod Ekanem,
was shot dead.
The case was prosecuted by the State Security
Service (SSS), Uyo.
At his arraignment, Effiong had no legal
representation, prompting the court to assign the matter to the Legal
Aid Council of Nigeria in line with legal provisions.
Although Effiong pleaded guilty to all four
counts, the court entered a not guilty plea on his behalf for the kidnapping
charge due to the gravity of the offence and the severe punishment attached to
it. The Legal Aid Council represented him throughout the proceedings to ensure
due process.
In the charge titled Federal Republic of
Nigeria v. Nkereuwem Felix Effiong, the prosecution alleged that between
November 2023 and May 2024, the defendant conspired at Esong Inwang Beach in
Uruan Local Government Area with Ubong Effiong, alias “Condiment,” Christopher
Eyibio, Emem Friday, and others still at large to commit acts of terrorism,
contrary to Section 26(1) of the Terrorism Act.
The court also heard that Effiong was a
member of a terrorist group known as the “Bling Bling Marine Strike Force,”
allegedly led by Ubong Effiong, in violation of Section 25(1) of the Act.
Count three detailed the kidnapping of
Justice Unwana and her driver, as well as the killing of her police orderly
during the operation, an offence punishable under Section 24(2)(b) of the Act.
Count four accused Effiong of concealing information about the group’s
activities and whereabouts from security agencies.
In a confessional statement admitted in
evidence, Effiong reportedly admitted joining the gang in November 2023 through
a friend identified as Joseph, also known as Akpa.
The court subsequently sentenced him to life
imprisonment for his involvement in the crimes.
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