A High Court in Akwa Ibom State, sitting in Uyo, has handed down a death sentence by hanging to Sunday George Andrew, who is also known as Sunday Akpan Adede.

The severe punishment was imposed on him for the crime of kidnapping two brothers, namely Chief Israel Efefiong Utit and Pastor Bassey Utit.

Andrew, a native doctor from Ikono Local Government Area of the state, allegedly colluded with unidentified individuals, who are currently evading arrest, to carry out the crime on November 29, 2015, at Nkemba Street in Uyo.

Furthermore, he sheltered the victims within his shrine in Ikot Enua, Ikono, and demanded a ransom sum of N50m as a condition for their release.

The native doctor who had been convicted stood trial alongside the first defendant, Ibe Francis Emeka, on six charges including conspiracy, kidnapping, and armed robbery.

The native doctor was found guilty, while Emeka was discharged and acquitted by the Court.

Emeka, who hails from Abia State, said that he received an invitation from his acquaintance “Papa” to visit Uyo.

However, to his surprise, he was escorted to a pub located on Nkemba Street.

Accompanying him were Ukeme Amos, also known as “Bishop,” the head of the gang, and Jude Ihemekwa, also known as “Method,” who is presently facing trial for a separate kidnapping incident in Uyo.

While on Nkemba Street, he said that the gang encountered a black Toyota Corolla car and proceeded to intercepting it.

In a one-hour ruling on Friday, Justice Gabriel Ette described Ibe Francis Emeka as an individual who is innocent and a casualty of circumstances.

The judge also noted that the sole distinction between him and the other victims was the absence of a ransom demand for his release.

Justice Ette said that “He was, like the main victims, put in the same room with them; that piece of evidence was not debunked. He was precluded from leaving the camp, hence his decision to escape with the victims.

“If he was a kidnapper, his access and exit would not have been restricted or curtailed, as shown in evidence.

“The real kidnappers left the camp; he was not allowed freedom of movement. That is why I see him as an innocent victim too.”