Man Sentenced To Death For Killing Father Over Land Dispute In Akwa Ibom

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Man Sentenced To Death For Killing Father Over Land Dispute In Akwa Ibom

A 37-year-old man, Moses Edo, has been sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of his father, Abdon Edo, by an Akwa Ibom State High Court. The verdict was given by Justice Ezekiel Enang at the court sitting in Etinan Local Government Area of the state.

Moses Edo, an indigene of Ikot Ukobo in Nsit Ubium LGA, and a motorcycle operator, confessed to killing his father on July 29, 2015, in his house and burying him beside his son’s grave. According to reports, Moses Edo chased his father to the backyard of his old building and hit his head on the wall where he died on the spot over landed property.

During the court proceedings, the judge said that the convict’s confessional statement was positive, direct, and unequivocal and was sufficient to secure his conviction. The court held that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that the deceased died, and that the death was caused by the act of the accused to kill or cause him grievous bodily harm. By smashing his father’s head on the wall, the convict intended to kill him, according to the court.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, through its spokesperson, Nnudam Fredrick, commended the court for the judgment, which he described as a landmark ruling that would serve as a deterrent to other criminals. The command urged residents to report any suspicious activity that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of offenders.

The verdict has been hailed by many in the community as justice served. The punishment handed down to Moses Edo is expected to serve as a warning to others who might consider taking the law into their hands. It is hoped that the judgment will bring some closure to the family of the deceased and serve as a deterrent to others who might consider engaging in such heinous crimes.

The case of Moses Edo is one of many similar cases in Nigeria, where family disputes and land issues have led to violent confrontations and killings. The government and other stakeholders must work to create an enabling environment for the peaceful resolution of disputes and encourage dialogue and mediation as a means of conflict resolution.