The State High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Tuesday, sentenced Akpaniko-Abasi Okon James to death for the murder of his friend, Ephraim Edet Okon, in 2021.
The Judge, Bassey Nkanang, in his judgement, said that Akpaniko-Abasi, a native of Nung Uyo-Idoro, would be put to death by hanging.
Akpaniko-Abasi James was said to have intentionally driven his car into Ephraim, 22, following a dispute over a loan repayment.
After violently colliding with Ephraim, the victim was thrown onto the car’s windscreen. Akpaniko-Abasi then accelerated, causing Ephraim to be thrown off the car and onto the tarred road.
He (Akpaniko-Abasi) subsequently reversed the vehicle, running over Ephraim’s legs, which ultimately led to the victim’s death from his multiple injuries.
Ephraim’s father, Hon. (Elder) Edet George, expressed his satisfaction with the verdict, calling it “well deserved.”
George, who hails from Ndisiak, Nsit Atai LGA, stated: “I am pleased that the court recognized all the elements of the law. I am very grateful to the Nigerian judiciary system. May God bless them.”
