Man sentenced to death by hanging in Akwa Ibom, sparking jubilation

The residents of Idung Ntuk Umah in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State are rejoicing following the verdict that sentenced Udobong Stephen Adiahaunwa to death by the Akwa Ibom State High Court.

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Udobong, a 48-year-old man, a father of two, and the brother of the late Village Head of Idung Ntuk Umah, Gabriel Adiahaunwa, was handed the death penalty by Justice Gabriel Ette after being found guilty on four charges including conspiracy, armed robbery, and terrorism.

The case details reveal that Udobong Stephen Adiahaunwa, who had previously been banned from his village due to his criminal activities, led a gang that impersonated SARS Police officers and abducted Friday Jackson Joe on December 29, 2009, in a Hilux vehicle, with the victim still missing to this day.

Moreover, on February 28, 2019, Udobong, a primary five dropout, reportedly brought cultists disguised as Police officers to the village and robbed the village treasurer of N970,000, proceeds from the sale of palm fruits.

Then, on April 29, 2021, he once again orchestrated a robbery, this time using cultists in army uniforms to steal N850,000 from the Village Palm Estate treasurer, Mr. Ubong William Henry.

Additionally, on June 5, 2020, the convicted criminal returned to the village with his secret cult members and forcibly initiated teenagers into the group, causing many to flee in fear.

Despite being arrested and detained at the Akwa Ibom State Police Command’s Headquarters, Udobong was released, leading the community to petition the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 6 Headquarters, Calabar.

In June 2020, he was arrested again by the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department, Zone 6 Headquarters, but managed to escape with his surety after being granted bail, subsequently suing the complainant and the Police for allegedly violating his rights.