Court Sentences Kidnap Kingpin to Life Imprisonment for Abducting Judge in Akwa Ibom
The Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has delivered a landmark judgment, sentencing a 30-year-old man, Nkereuwem Felix Effiong, to life imprisonment for his central role in the kidnapping of a state High Court judge. The verdict was pronounced on Monday, February 23, 2026, by Justice Chigozie Sergius Onah, following a thorough trial that exposed the defendant's involvement in a terrorist kidnapping syndicate.
Details of the Conviction and Charges
Effiong, a native of Ikot Ekwere in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, was convicted on three out of four charges brought against him under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022. The charges included conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism, membership in a terrorist organization, and the kidnapping of Honorable Justice Joy Unwana. The court found him guilty on counts one, two, and three, while acquitting him on count four, which pertained to concealing information about the gang's activities.
The kidnapping incident occurred on December 18, 2023, when Justice Unwana and her driver, Idorenyin Ekanem, were abducted at approximately 8 PM along the Okobo–Esuk Inwang–Ndon Ebom Road in Akwa Ibom State. Tragically, during the abduction, the judge's police orderly, ThankGod Ekanem, was shot and killed. The victims endured five harrowing days in captivity before being released after a ransom payment.
Legal Proceedings and Representation
The case was prosecuted by the State Security Service (SSS) from Uyo, which presented compelling evidence linking Effiong to the criminal activities. Upon his arraignment, Effiong initially lacked legal representation, prompting the court to assign the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria to handle his defense in accordance with legal provisions. Throughout the trial, the council ensured that all procedures adhered strictly to due process and the law.
Effiong pleaded guilty to all four counts; however, the court entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf for the kidnapping charge due to the severe nature of the offense and its associated penalties. This procedural step underscored the gravity of the allegations and the court's commitment to a fair trial.
Gang Operations and Confessional Statements
In his detailed confessional statement, Effiong admitted to joining the terrorist group known as the "Bling Bling Marine Strike Force" in November 2023 through a friend identified as Joseph, alias Akpa. He revealed that the gang operated across multiple local government areas, including Uyo, Uruan, Nsit Atai, Udung Uko, Okobo, and Oron, with a base at Esong Inwang Beach in Uruan.
Effiong confessed to participating in three kidnapping operations, including the abduction of Justice Unwana. He disclosed that the gang received a ransom of N25 million for the judge's release, from which he personally received N300,000 as his share. Additionally, he admitted involvement in the kidnapping of a pastor from The Apostolic Church in Oron and another victim, whose family paid N5 million for his release.
"We don't cover our faces," Effiong stated in his confession, highlighting the gang's brazen operations. He further explained that the group used a mini-bus for their activities and also engaged in robbing locals and fishermen to generate funds.
Arrest and Judicial Milestone
Effiong was arrested on July 4, 2024, along Ikot Ekpene Road in Uyo by SSS operatives after months of intensive investigation into the gang's activities. During the trial, the prosecution presented irrefutable evidence connecting him to the gang's operations and their base at Esong Inwang Beach.
In delivering the judgment, Justice Onah emphasized that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court imposed the following sentences: 25 years imprisonment for conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism, 20 years imprisonment for membership in a terrorist group, and life imprisonment for the kidnapping charge. The life sentence is the most severe penalty, ensuring Effiong will spend the remainder of his natural life in prison, subject to legal provisions.
Significance of the Verdict
This conviction represents a significant judicial milestone in the fight against kidnapping and terrorism-related offenses in Akwa Ibom State. It underscores the judiciary's resolve to hold perpetrators accountable and deliver justice for victims of such heinous crimes. The case also highlights the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between security agencies and the legal system in combating organized crime.
The sentencing sends a strong deterrent message to other criminal elements involved in similar activities, reinforcing the commitment to upholding law and order in the region.
