By Jonathan Ugbal
A High Court of Cross River State presided over by Justice Blessing Egwu on Monday sentenced Okon Ekpo Effiong to death for acts of aggravated assault, rape and armed robbery.
Effiong, 33, had alongside four others gang raped a lady and two children after an armed robbery attack.
The attack occurred on April 27th, 2024 along Mount Zion Street in Calabar South Local Government Area with valuables also carted away.
And, Justice Egwu held that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt hence the decision of the Court to hand the death penalty.
Effiong and one of his partners were arrested by a team (further details withheld for editorial reasons) from the Rapid Response Squad of the State Police Command.
CrossRiverWatch learnt his partner died in custody. The Police have been reached for comments on that. The other three remain at large with one victim “feeling,” there may have been some “funny play.”
A Welcome Development, Criminals Won’t Go Scot Free – DPP
For the prosecution, the judgment which they hope will serve as deterrence, is a welcome development, and the product of teamwork, the Director of Public Prosecution in Cross River State, Okoi Ukam Esq, told CrossRiverWatch.
“Deterrence has always been the key message when we treat cases,” he said, adding that; “if we used to treat such matters with kids gloves before, that has changed in this administration. Our records are very clear on that.”
He attributed the success of the prosecution led by Joseph Akpajung Esq to the efforts and leadership of the Attorney General and Justice Commissioner, Ededem Ani Esq whom he says has refused to bow to pressures to withdraw cases like this when petitions are filed.
“The Attorney General read a riot act to prosecutors. Once you get your brief, you must research and work on it, so, this is not different, I commend the Attorney General for his leadership and the staff for their commitment,” he said.
Furthermore, Mr. Ukam commended the Cross River State Police Command led by CP Rashid Afegbua and the gender unit for its work.
“For such cases, like this prisoner, yes, he is now a prisoner, who has been sentenced to death, investigations are the key to successful prosecution. I commend the police and its gender unit which has been working with us. They have done really well,” he added.
Why A Death Sentence?
There is a global push for the abolishment of the death sentence. Amnesty International, which has led the campaign for 45 years, says its campaign is hinged on humanity.
“The death penalty is the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment.
“Amnesty International opposes the death penalty in all cases without exception – regardless of who is accused, the nature or circumstances of the crime, guilt or innocence or method of execution,” the global movement says on its website.
However, the Principal Counsel, Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, James Ibor Esq who monitored the case explained why the death sentence was preferred despite the campaigns.
“We have what we call sentencing guidelines and the Court followed them in this case.
“After the conviction, during the sentencing hearing, the matter of aggravated assault came up.
“Here you have a scenario where it wasn’t just armed robbery where they made away with valuables, they sexually molested children, one of whom was on her period.
“Then, they took their aunt to an uncompleted building and took turns in raping her. Therefore it is beyond just the crime, but the impact other actions have on the victims.
“Already, the maximum penalty for armed robbery is death. The aggravated circumstances which saw the victims being harmed further with their phones even used by the suspects made it worse for them,” Mr. Ibor explained.
Sentence Was Too Excessive – Convict
Mr. Effiong told a judicial partner of CrossRiverWatch that he regrets his actions and feels the sentence was excessive.
The law provides him an option of an appeal up to the Supreme Court.
His counsel, Bassey Otop Esq, who was assigned from the Centre for Citizens’ Rights and Office of the Public Defender, also said the judgment will be appealed.
Justice At Last, But Not Enough – Victim
One of the victims, (name withheld for pro) said the memory still hurts but is soothed a bit now knowing Mr. Effiong is put away for good.
She commended the prosecution team whom she said never asked her for support and did their job diligently.
“I am happy and I thank everyone who ensured this came to pass. I thank my brother, the prosecutor who handled this case well. All of you and those who kept watch so that it doesn’t go sideways, I thank you all.
“I am happy, but there isn’t much I can’t say now than I hope the rest are caught too,” she told CrossRiverWatch over the phone with heavy sighs in between.