A Cross River State High Court sitting in Calabar has sentenced a 33-year-old man, Okon Effiong, to death by hanging after finding him guilty on all counts of armed robbery, rape, and aggravated assault.
The judgment was delivered on Thursday, January 16, 2026, by Justice Bassey Nkanu following a full trial that lasted over two years.
According to the charge sheet, Effiong and his accomplices (two of whom are still at large) carried out a violent armed robbery attack on a residence in the Ikot Omin area of Calabar Municipality on the night of October 12, 2023.
During the operation, the gang:
Robbed the victims of cash, jewellery, mobile phones, and other valuables at gunpoint.
Raped a female victim in the presence of her family.
Severely assaulted the homeowner and two other occupants, leaving them with life-threatening injuries.
The prosecution, led by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Eno Etim, presented overwhelming evidence including eyewitness testimonies, recovered items, forensic reports, and a confessional statement from Effiong.
Delivering the verdict, Justice Nkanu described the crimes as “heinous, barbaric, and deserving of the maximum penalty known to law.” The court held that the prosecution proved all three counts beyond reasonable doubt.
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Effiong was convicted on:
Count 1: Armed robbery contrary to Section 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap R11 LFN 2004.
Count 2: Rape contrary to Section 357 of the Criminal Code Cap C38 LFN 2004.
Count 3: Aggravated assault causing grievous bodily harm.
The death sentence is subject to confirmation by the Governor of Cross River State as required under Nigerian law. Effiong has 30 days to appeal the judgment.
The case has drawn significant attention in Cross River State, where violent crimes including armed robbery and sexual violence remain a major concern.
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
Send tips to: adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com | 08168555497
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