The Akwa Ibom State High Court, sitting on Monday in Ikot Ekpene Judiciary Division, sentenced Edidiong Ototi to death by hanging for killing his father, Pius Ototi, over alleged witchcraft.
Edidiong, a 31-year-old in his confessional statement at the Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo, the state capital admitted that he killed his father and buried him inside a pit toilet on 18th November 2018.
The presiding judge, justice Augustine Odokwo, passed the sentence after finding Edidiong guilty of murder, in accordance with Section 316 (1) which is punishable by death, under section 326 (1) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Akwa Ibom State.
Justice Odokwo who was dressed in black with a sentencing cap ordered that Ototi be hanged by the neck until he dies, praying God to have mercy upon his soul.
He said the prosecution team from the State Ministry of Justice has proved the case beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused committed the offence.
He said the accused has no right under the law to take the life of his 60-year-old father, whom he accused of being responsible for the untimely death of his two grandchildren.
But the accused, had before his sentence in the Courtroom been quoting Bible portions, begging the Judge to forgive him and temper justice with mercy.
His plea was, however, dismissed by the court.
