The State High Court, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, presided over by Justice Joy Unwana, sentenced the convicts — three policemen, a woman and three others— to death by hanging.
Justice Unwana said: “The decision of the court to pass the death sentence is in tandem with the anti-kidnapping law of Akwa Ibom State. It is loud statement to the country that the crime of kidnapping is grievous offence in the state and punishable by death. I hope it will discourage those planning to engage in the crime to steer clear off Akwa Ibom.”
It was learnt that the victim was dragged out of the Toyota Sienna car driven by her husband, in front of the family house at about 6.30pm and whisked away in a Volvo Wagon car to Afaha Udoeyop in Ibesikpo Asutan council area, where she was kept, under armed guards, in an isolated building pending agreement and payment of ransom.
Shortly after the encounter, the change in venue for delivery of the ransom was relayed to the husband of the victim by phone.