….I regret my actions, but sentence extreme – Convict

By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR

A Cross River State High Court sitting in Calabar has convicted and sentenced Okon Ekpo Effiong, a 33-year-old man to death for aggravated assault, rape and armed robbery.

The convict was sentenced by the High Court, presided over by Justice Blessing Egwu, on Monday, 19th January 2026.

Vanguard gathered that Effiong had, alongside four others, gang raped a lady and two children after an armed robbery attack.

The attack occurred on 27th April 2024, along Mount Zion Street in Calabar South Local Government Area of the state with valuables also carted away.

Passing her sentence, Justice Egwu held that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, hence the decision of the Court to hand down the death penalty.

Effiong and one of his partners, who died in custody, were arrested by the Rapid Response Squad of the Nigeria Police, Cross River State Command.

Reacting to the judgment, the Principal Counsel of Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), 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 unfinished 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,” Ibor explained.

The convict, Effiong, said he regrets his actions and feels the sentence was excessive. The law provides him with the 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.

One of the victims (name withheld) said the memory still hurts but is soothed a bit now knowing 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 said.