A keke ticket seller is facing death by hanging for armed robbery and life imprisonment for attempted murder. Iboro Sunday Akpan received the dual sentence from an Akwa Ibom State High Court in Ikot Ekpene.
Justice Augustine D. Odokwo handed down the verdicts after finding the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Akpan was convicted on all three counts brought against him.
He'll spend 14 years in prison for conspiracy charges. Life imprisonment follows for the attempted murder conviction, though the death sentence takes precedence.
The crimes occurred on July 23, 2025, in the early morning hours. Armed robbers attacked a residence at Annex B Estate in Ikot Otor, Ikot Ekpene.
Akpan, from Ikot Idaha in Ikono Local Government Area, was prosecuted by the state's Ministry of Justice. Prosecutors built their case methodically through witness testimony.
Barr. Camillus Ben, the primary witness, testified he was awakened around 1:23am by banging on his gate.
He confronted an unmasked intruder he recognized immediately as Akpan.
Ben knew the defendant from years of encounters on Umuahia Road. He identified him from roughly four feet away before escaping.
Armed robbers opened fire when police responded to distress calls that night. Akpan suffered gunshot wounds to his ribs and hand during the exchange.
Police recovered firearms and spent cartridges at the scene after the shootout. One suspect died in the operation while another fled to Imo State with injuries.
The victim's wife was over eight months pregnant during the invasion. Robbers stole N630,000 in cash and jewelry from their home.
She told the court they tried forcing her to transfer money via POS machine. The trauma of that night shaped her testimony.
Akpan claimed he wasn't at the crime scene. He said he worked as a farmer and ticket seller, denying any involvement in the robbery.
Justice Odokwo rejected this defence completely. Evidence pointed to recognition, not mistaken identity, the judge ruled.
The defendant had been known to the victim before the incident occurred. His alibi lacked verifiable specifics and contradicted his own witness's account.
According to the court, the prosecution presented an airtight case against him. No credible doubt remained about Akpan's involvement.
Under the doctrine of common intention, Akpan bore criminal responsibility for the shooting. This applied even though another gang member fired the actual shots.
Justice Odokwo called the attack a violent operation that nearly killed the victim. He emphasized that armed robbery carries mandatory punishment under the Robbery and Firearms Act.
