A High Court in Cross River State has handed down a death sentence to a 33-year-old man for his role in a violent armed robbery and gang rape of three females, including two teenagers.
Justice Delivered for Mount Zion Street Attack
Presiding Judge, Justice Blessing Egwu, found Okon Ekpo Effiong guilty on multiple counts of aggravated assault, rape, and armed robbery. The court ruled that the prosecution team successfully proved its case beyond any reasonable doubt, leading to the maximum penalty.
The horrific crimes took place on April 27, 2024, along Mount Zion Street in the Calabar South Local Government Area. Effiong, alongside four other accomplices, carried out an armed robbery during which they also gang-raped a woman and two teenage girls. The assailants carted away valuable items from their victims.
Prosecution Hails Judgment as a Deterrent
The Director of Public Prosecutions in Cross River State, Okoi Ukam Esq., described the judgment as a welcome development and a product of effective teamwork. He emphasized that deterrence remains a core objective in handling such severe cases.
“Deterrence has always been the key message when we treat cases,” Ukam stated. He noted a shift in approach under the current administration, moving away from treating such matters with “kid gloves.” He credited the successful prosecution, led by Joseph Akpajung Esq., to the leadership of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ededem Ani Esq., who resisted pressures to withdraw the case.
Ukam also commended the Cross River State Police Command under CP Rashid Afegbua and its gender unit for their crucial investigative work, which formed the bedrock of the successful prosecution.
Why the Death Penalty Was Applied
James Ibor Esq., Principal Counsel of the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, who monitored the case, explained the court's reasoning. He clarified that the court followed established sentencing guidelines, considering the aggravated nature of the crimes.
“Here you have a scenario where it wasn’t just armed robbery... they sexually molested children, one of whom was on her period,” Ibor explained. “Then, they took their aunt to an uncompleted building and took turns in raping her.”
He pointed out that the maximum penalty for armed robbery is death, and the additional brutal acts of sexual violence against the victims worsened the convict's position before the law.
While expressing regret for his actions, Effiong reportedly described his death sentence as excessive. His lawyer, Bassey Otop Esq. from the Centre for Citizens’ Rights and Office of the Public Defender, confirmed plans to appeal the judgment, a legal right available up to the Supreme Court.
One of the victims, whose name was withheld, said the painful memory persists but is somewhat soothed by the knowledge that Effiong has been put away for good. She expressed gratitude to the prosecution team for their diligent and supportive work without soliciting any favours.
“I am happy, but there isn’t much I can say now than I hope the rest are caught too,” she added. Of the five suspects, Effiong and one other were arrested. The arrested partner died in custody, while the three remaining accomplices are still at large.
