A’Ibom man to die by hanging over armed robbery

Harrison Essien

A 40-year-old man, Kufre Christopher Archibong is to die by hanging, as Akwa Ibom State High Court has sentenced him to death for armed robbery.

In the judgment delivered by Justice Okon Okon, Archibong was found guilty of robbing one Bassey Isaac Akpan, a 43-year-old public servant in his residence, Nung Uyo Idoro, Uyo on 26th April, 2017.

Justice Okon held that the condemned robber, a native of Ikot Ukpong in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, be “hanged by the neck until he is dead” praying God to have mercy upon his soul.

Archibong was arraigned with one Micher Godwin Ettetuk alias Uko Onu on 19th December, 2017 for conspiracy to commit armed robbery and armed robbery, punishable under Sections 6 (b) and 1 (2) (a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

They both pleaded not guilty to each of the count, with the police presenting investigation report, alongside one army colour mask, a matchet with red cloth tied to it, as well as statements of the accused as exhibits.

Justice Okon in his judgement, discharged and acquitted Ettetuk over inability of the prosecution to prove the allegation against him beyond reasonable doubts.

In his statement to the police, Archibong had admitted that he and Micher, the second accused, Ndifreke Okon George alias Boby, Anthony Archibong alias Mopol 2, one Richard alias Snop Dog, Michael Effiong alias Mopol and Itoro Joshua Akpan alias At, met in “Snop Dog’s house in Mbiakpan Ikot Edim, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of the State on 25th April, 2017 and planned for the robbery.

He said the next day, 26th April, 2017, they robbed four houses in Ikot Idaha Village, Mbiakpan village and Nung Uyo Idoro Road and took away items including cash, phones, laptops, clothes in bags, has cylinders and shoes.

Archibong admitted that they fired gun shots using six locally made pistols. He added that he was unlucky to be arrested while others escaped with their loots.

He noted that they were rescued him from being lynched by the irate youths of Nung Uyo Idoro. The Police Investigation Officer, Sergeant Ntuen Christopher of D Division, Itam said Archibong confessed to the commission of the crime and took the police to his house, where he kept his locally made pistol and two cartridges on top of a ceiling.