A Federal High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has sentenced Nkereuwem Felix Effiong to life imprisonment for the 2023 abduction of Justice Joy Unwana of the Akwa Ibom State High Court. Effiong was convicted on three counts, including conspiracy, secret cult membership, and kidnapping under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Effiong, from Ikot Ekwere in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, carried out the abduction on December 18, 2023, alongside the judge’s driver, Idorenyin Ekanem, along Okobo–Esuk Inwang–Ndon Ebom Road.

During the five-day captivity, the victims were held hostage, and the judge’s Police orderly, ThankGod Ekanem, was tragically shot dead. The prosecution was handled by the State Security Service (SSS), Uyo.

The court’s ruling underscores Nigeria’s stance against kidnapping and terrorism, sending a strong message that attacks on judicial officers and public officials will attract the severest penalties.