An Akwa Ibom High Court has sentenced a 29-year-old resident pastor of Living Faith Church, (also known as Winners Chapel) Prince Emmanuel Umoh, to death by hanging for gruesome murder of a final year student of the University of Uyo, Gabriel Bassey Edward, following dispute linked to property access, missing items, and rent issues.
Justice Gabriel Ette on Thursday February 19, 2026 ruled that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that the pastor stabbed Edward, (23), a 500-Level Civil Engineering student of the University of Uyo who later graduated posthumously with First-Class honours.
Evidence showed the deceased had moved into his late mother’s property at Ifa Ikot Ubo, where a hall was rented out for worship.
Umoh, posted there as a pioneer pastor, was granted access to store church items in the victim’s flat and later received a spare key. After valuables belonging to the deceased’s late mother went missing, suspicious fell on the pastor, who claimed he lost the key. The locks were eventually changed. Tension later developed over rent meant for property repairs.
On December 21, 2020, neighbours heard screams of “Jesus” from the compound. The pastor was seen leaving in a bloodstained garment, claim he had fallen.
Edward’s decomposing body was discovered days later in his room, wrapped in a mat multiple stab sounds, and knife found nearby.
In a judgement lasting over two hours, Justice Ette described the act as appalling, stressing that life is sacred and condemning the betrayal of public trust. He concluded by sentencing Umoh to death by hanging.
Reacting to the sentencing, human rights lawyer, Inihebe Effiong commended the prosecutor and also advised churches to do thoroughly screening of those they intend to ordain as minister’s.
-9News Nigeria.
