Honourable Justice Ekpo Ntekim of the Akwa Ibom State High Court has convicted and sentenced Ndifreke Isaiah Nelson, 33, to death for the murder of his girlfriend, Emem Monday Effanga, and stealing her phone in Uyo, the state capital. The conviction follows a trial on two counts: murder and theft. Nelson, who served as an usher in a new-generation church in Uyo, was found guilty after a detailed presentation of evidence and his own confession. He will be executed by hanging or lethal injection as per the court’s ruling.
The tragic incident occurred on February 6, 2025, which coincided with Nelson’s birthday. Around 7 a.m., he visited Effanga at her residence on No. 102 Aka Road, opposite NEPA Line, Uyo. He claimed he needed to use her phone to post birthday photos on social media. However, the visit turned violent when a dispute erupted over the phone. Nelson allegedly slammed Effanga’s head against the wall and strangled her to death before fleeing the scene with her phone.
Authorities launched an investigation immediately after the body was discovered. On February 8, 2025, just two days later, Nelson was apprehended during a church vigil at about 2 a.m. at a church on Nsikak Eduok Avenue, Uyo. During interrogation, he admitted to the murder and theft, providing key details that led to his swift conviction. The court found his confession credible and consistent with the evidence collected.
In delivering the judgment, Justice Ekpo Ntekim emphasized that the punishment for stealing was absorbed into the death sentence for murder, as per Nigerian criminal law. The judge noted that the crime was premeditated and carried out with extreme cruelty, warranting the harshest penalty under the law. The court also highlighted the emotional and societal impact of such violent crimes, particularly those committed against women.
The case has drawn widespread attention in Akwa Ibom State and beyond, sparking conversations about domestic violence and the need for stronger protective measures for women. Many have called for increased awareness and stricter enforcement of laws to prevent similar tragedies. The conviction serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violent crime in Nigeria.
As the legal process moves forward, Nelson’s case will likely be reviewed by higher courts, as is standard in death penalty cases. His fate now rests with the appeals process, but the conviction stands as a significant moment in the fight against gender-based violence and criminal impunity in Nigeria.
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