Tricycle ticket seller sentenced to death for armed robbery in Akwa Ibom
Tricycle Ticket Seller Sentenced to Death for Armed Robbery in Akwa Ibom
IKOT EKPENE, Akwa Ibom State — An Akwa Ibom State High Court has sentenced Iboro Sunday Akpan, a tricycle ticket seller, to death by hanging after he was found guilty of armed robbery. The court also imposed a life sentence for attempted murder.
Delivering the verdict in Charge No. HT/25C/2025, Justice Augustine D. Odokwo stated that the prosecution successfully met the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt, resulting in a conviction on all three counts.
Akpan, a resident of Ikot Idaha in the Ikono Local Government Area, was tried by the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Justice for his involvement in an armed robbery that took place on July 23, 2025, at Annex B Estate, Ikot Otor.
During the trial, the prosecution called upon Barr. Camillus Ben, the principal witness, who testified that he was awakened around 1:23 a.m. by a noise at the estate gate. He identified Akpan as the intruder, stating he recognized him from a distance of approximately four feet before fleeing the scene. Ben later sustained gunshot injuries when armed robbers fired at him during a police response to the incident.
The prosecution also presented evidence from a police officer who stated that firearms and spent cartridges were recovered at the scene following an exchange of gunfire with the suspects. One individual was shot and killed during this operation, while another suspect, who fled with injuries, was later apprehended in Imo State.
In a statement to the court, Ben’s wife, who was pregnant at the time of the robbery, recounted that the assailants stole cash and jewelry valued at 630,000 naira and attempted to force her to transfer funds using a Point-of-Sale machine.
In his defense, Akpan denied any involvement in the robbery and claimed he was a farmer and ticket seller who was not present at the scene. However, Justice Odokwo dismissed his alibi, citing that it lacked specificity and was contradicted by evidence provided by a defense witness.
“The prosecution has built a watertight and unshakeable case against the defendant,” the judge remarked.
Justice Odokwo ruled that Akpan was criminally liable for the victim’s shooting during the robbery under the principle of common intention, despite evidence suggesting that a gang member fired the shot.
In his remarks, the judge described the incident as a violent crime that nearly resulted in the victim’s death. He emphasized that the punishment for armed robbery, according to the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, is mandatory.
“The sentence of this court is that you, Iboro Sunday Akpan, shall be hanged by the neck until you be dead. And may the Almighty God have mercy upon your soul,” declared Justice Odokwo.
The court ordered that the firearms and ammunition submitted as evidence be returned to the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for official destruction, while all other exhibits will remain in court custody pending any potential appeal.
