An Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo has sentenced a police sergeant, Goodnews Akpan, to death by hanging for torturing and killing a suspect while serving with the Anti-Kidnapping Squad in the state.
Justice Nsemeke Daniel delivered the judgment on May 25, 2026, ruling that the prosecution had successfully proved its case against the former police officer beyond reasonable doubt.
The court found that Akpan was responsible for the death of a suspect who was in police custody on November 19, 2023, during an investigation into a bailable offence.
According to the court’s findings, the victim died after suffering “severe torture” allegedly inflicted by Akpan while he was being detained at the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Uyo.
Justice Daniel said the punishment was necessary to uphold justice and serve as a deterrent against similar acts of brutality within law enforcement institutions.
The court held that Akpan’s actions violated Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the dignity of the human person and prohibits torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
The judgment also referenced the Anti-Torture Act 2017, which criminalises the use of torture by security operatives and other state officials.
During the trial, the court heard references to Akpan’s service history and alleged influence from the late CSP Ekene Nwosu, who was also linked to allegations of abuses within the squad.
A statement presented in court claimed that Nwosu allegedly detained hundreds of Akwa Ibom residents who could not afford large sums of money demanded as bribes. Nwosu died while facing trial over related allegations.
Legal analysts described the ruling as a major judicial statement against extra-judicial killings, unlawful detention, and abuse of power by security personnel.
The judgment has renewed calls for deeper police reforms, improved oversight of tactical units, and stronger human rights training for officers involved in investigations and arrests.
The case is being viewed by rights advocates as a significant step toward addressing allegations of unlawful treatment of suspects and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.
Justice Nsemeke Daniel also delivered other death sentences in May 2026, including the cases of Police Corporal Mbazigwe Chinedu Friday and bus conductor Isaac Eddy Ndeesor, who were sentenced to death by hanging over a 2015 kidnapping case after a decade-long trial.
