…Court held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, prompting Justice Egwu to impose the death penalty.
CROSS RIVER, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | A Cross River State High Court sitting in Calabar has convicted and sentenced 33-year-old Okon Effiong to death for aggravated assault, rape, and armed robbery. Justice Blessing Egwu handed down the sentence on Monday.
The iNews Times gathered that Effiong, along with four accomplices, gang-raped a woman and two children during an armed robbery on April 27, 2024, along Mount Zion Street in Calabar South Local Government Area. The assailants also stole valuables during the attack.
Court held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, prompting Justice Egwu to impose the death penalty.
Effiong and one of his co-perpetrators, who later died in custody, had been arrested by the Rapid Response Squad of the Nigeria Police, Cross River State Command.
Commenting on the verdict, James Ibor, principal counsel of the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), which monitored the trial, explained why the court opted for the death sentence despite public campaigns against capital punishment.
Effiong, in his statement, expressed regret for his actions and described the sentence as excessive. He retains the right to appeal up to the Supreme Court. His lawyer, Bassey Otop of the Centre for Citizens’ Rights and the Office of the Public Defender, confirmed that an appeal would be filed.
One of the victims (name withheld) said the ordeal still brings pain but felt some relief knowing Effiong had been held accountable. She praised the prosecution team for their diligence, saying they never asked for her support and handled the case professionally.
“I am happy and grateful to everyone who made this possible. I especially thank my brother, the prosecutor, and all who ensured the case stayed on track. I am relieved, but I hope the other perpetrators are also caught,” she said.
