Akwa Ibom: Court sentences policeman to death for kidnapping

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An Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Uyo has sentenced Police Corporal Mbazigwe Chinedu Friday and bus conductor Isaac Eddy Ndeesor to death by hanging for the 2015 kidnapping of Elder Akara Johnson Mendie, Vice Principal at Community Secondary School, Nkek, Ukanafun Local Government Area. Justice Nsemeke Daniel found both defendants guilty of conspiracy, kidnapping, and unlawful possession of firearms, describing the decade-long trial as “delayed and unacceptable.” According to court testimonies, the victim was abducted on July 5, 2015, around 3:30 pm, while returning from church with his wife along Urua Akpan Udosen/Ikot Unah Road. Four armed men in a Toyota Camry blocked their vehicle, kidnapped Mendie, and took his wife’s handbag containing personal documents, including a will and Power of Attorney.

The kidnappers demanded N25 million ransom but accepted N200,000, which was delivered through the victim’s sister, leading to his release in Bori, Rivers State, on July 10, 2015.

Corporal Friday, 41, then attached to MOPOL 57 in Ukana, admitted orchestrating the kidnapping and claimed he acted at the behest of an unnamed “honourable.” He said the weapon used was not a police firearm and his accomplices were civilians.

Ndeesor, 28, aided authorities in locating Friday. Security agencies recovered a locally made revolver, ammunition, CCTV equipment, multiple phones, and other items from Friday’s residence.

Justice Daniel dismissed Friday’s claims of being framed, stating his explanations were inconsistent. “How can a police officer lead a gang of kidnappers to abduct a poor victim returning from church with his wife and family?” the judge asked.

Both convicts were found guilty on all counts. “You shall be hanged by the neck until you be dead. May God have mercy on you,” Justice Daniel declared. Vanguard