An Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo has sentenced Prince Emmanuel Umoh, a 29-year-old resident pastor of Living Faith Church, to death by hanging for the murder of his landlord, Gabriel Bassey Edward. The court found Umoh guilty of stabbing Edward, a University of Uyo student, to death inside the church premises.
Evidence showed that tensions arose between the pastor and the deceased over rent, access to church property stored in Edward’s flat, and missing items. The body of Edward was discovered on December 26, 2020, wrapped in a mat with multiple lacerations, and a butcher’s knife was found beside him.
Justice Gabriel Ette described the case as “very sympathetic,” highlighting the irony of a religious leader committing murder within church premises. The court emphasized that individuals who betray public trust in such a manner are a danger to society.
The judge held that life is sacred and that religious leaders must uphold moral standards. Prince Emmanuel Umoh was formally sentenced to death by hanging, with the court affirming the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
