Akwa Ibom Court Sentences Dismissed Soldier to Death for Murder and Armed Robbery

In a courtroom drama that has sent shockwaves across Nigeria, an Akwa Ibom State High Court has delivered a landmark verdict. Corporal Stephen Iweh, a dismissed soldier from the Nigerian Army, now faces the ultimate penalty for his heinous crimes. This case highlights the dark side of trust on Nigerian roads and the swift hand of justice against those who betray it. As details emerge, the public grapples with questions about military conduct and public safety. This article dives deep into the events, providing comprehensive insights to understand this tragic incident.

Soldier Sentenced to Death in Akwa Ibom: The Full Timeline of Events

The story begins on May 23, 2021, along the bustling East-West Road connecting Rivers and Akwa Ibom states. Christopher Enobong Jimmy, a 42-year-old manager at a clearing and forwarding company in Port Harcourt, was driving his grey Toyota Matrix from Onne Trailer Park. In a gesture of goodwill common among Nigerians, he offered a lift to a man in full military uniform standing by the roadside. That man was Corporal Stephen Iweh, then serving with the 6th Battalion in Ibagwa, Abak.

What started as an act of kindness quickly turned into a nightmare. The duo proceeded toward Ikot Abasi Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom. At Oboro Junction, they stopped for a meal and rest. It was here that Iweh, armed with an unauthorized AK-47 rifle, executed his plan. He shot Jimmy in the head at close range, robbed him of valuables including cash and the vehicle, and fled the scene. Jimmy's body was left behind, a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in everyday interactions.

Iweh did not stop there. He drove the stolen Toyota Matrix to Uyo, where he sold it for a meager N150,000 to an unsuspecting buyer. This quick disposal of evidence showed premeditation, but law enforcement was hot on his trail. Investigators from the Akwa Ibom State Police Command tracked him to Andy Guest House in Ukanafun, where he was arrested. During the raid, authorities recovered the AK-47 rifle, which Iweh had illegally possessed since 2018 after retrieving it from Dambou in Borno State during a previous deployment.

The arrest marked the beginning of a lengthy legal battle. Iweh was promptly dismissed from the Nigerian Army for abandoning his post at the Army Store in Abak and for his criminal actions. The case moved to the Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo, where it unfolded over four years, culminating in a verdict on September 26, 2025.

Dismissed Soldier Death Sentence: Who is Stephen Iweh?

Stephen Iweh, 39, hails from Ameke Nkor in Imo State. Recruited into the Nigerian Army in 2002, he rose to the rank of corporal and served in various capacities, including conflict zones like Borno. A father of three, Iweh's life took a dark turn leading up to the crime. Court records reveal he had been struggling with personal issues, though none justified his actions.

During interrogations, Iweh confessed to the murder and robbery, detailing how he exploited Jimmy's trust. His defense in court centered on pleas for mercy, citing his family responsibilities. "I beg for a soft landing," he reportedly said before sentencing. However, Justice Bassey Nkanang rejected this, emphasizing the gravity of betraying public trust, especially as a uniformed officer.

Murder and Armed Robbery in Akwa Ibom: Victim Christopher Enobong Jimmy's Tragic Story

Christopher Enobong Jimmy was more than a victim; he was a devoted family man and professional. At 42, he managed operations for a Port Harcourt-based firm, ensuring smooth logistics in Nigeria's busy oil sector. On that fateful day, he left home to visit his sister in Ikot Abasi, a routine trip that ended in tragedy.

His widow, Arit Jimmy, 34, provided heart-wrenching testimony in court. Weeping openly, she recounted how her husband never returned from what should have been a short journey. "He was a kind soul who always helped others," she said, highlighting the irony of his death at the hands of someone he assisted. Jimmy left behind a grieving family, including children who now face life without their father.

The murder not only robbed a family of its breadwinner but also instilled fear in commuters across Akwa Ibom and Rivers states. Searches for "murder armed robbery Akwa Ibom" have surged, reflecting public concern over road safety and armed crimes.

Court Proceedings in Akwa Ibom Soldier Case: Key Evidence and Arguments

The trial at the Akwa Ibom State High Court was meticulous, with the prosecution presenting irrefutable evidence. Led by state counsel, the team proved beyond reasonable doubt that Iweh committed the crimes. Key exhibits included the recovered AK-47, ballistic reports confirming it as the murder weapon, and witness statements from the buyer of the stolen car.

Iweh faced a three-count charge: murder under Section 319(1) of the Criminal Code, armed robbery under Section 402(2)(a), and unlawful possession of firearms under the Firearms Act. Defense counsel argued for leniency, pointing to Iweh's military service and remorse. However, Justice Nkanang dismissed these, noting the premeditated nature and abuse of uniform.

In his ruling, the judge stated, "The prosecution has established the guilt of the defendant beyond reasonable doubt." This verdict aligns with Nigeria's stringent laws on capital offenses, where death sentences are common for murder and armed robbery.

Justice Nkanang's Verdict: Death by Hanging for Murder and Armed Robbery

On September 26, 2025, Justice Bassey Nkanang delivered the sentence that sealed Iweh's fate. For count one (murder), death by hanging. For count two (armed robbery), another death by hanging. For count three (unlawful possession), 10 years imprisonment. The dual death sentences ensure execution, with the imprisonment running concurrently.

This outcome has sparked debates on the death penalty in Nigeria. While some hail it as justice served, others question its effectiveness as a deterrent. Keywords like "Akwa Ibom court death sentence" dominate online discussions, with legal experts analyzing the case's implications for similar trials.

Implications of the Akwa Ibom Armed Robbery Death Penalty Case

Beyond the courtroom, this case exposes vulnerabilities in Nigeria's security system. Soldiers, meant to protect, sometimes become perpetrators, eroding public trust. The Nigerian Army's quick dismissal of Iweh is commendable, but it prompts calls for better psychological support and weapon controls for personnel.

In Akwa Ibom, known for its peaceful disposition, this incident highlights rising armed robbery cases. Statistics from the Nigeria Police Force show a 15% increase in such crimes in the South-South region over the past five years. Community leaders urge vigilance, advising against offering lifts to strangers, even uniformed ones.

The verdict also reinforces the judiciary's role in upholding law and order. Justice Nkanang's firm stance sends a message: no one is above the law. For families like the Jimmys, it brings closure, though nothing can replace the loss.

In conclusion, the sentencing of Stephen Iweh marks a pivotal moment in Nigerian justice. It reminds us that betrayal of trust, especially by those in authority, will face severe consequences. While the gallows await, the focus shifts to healing for the victim's family and reforms to avert future horrors.