Uyo Court Sentences Pastor to Déath by Hanging for Mûrdering Landlord

An Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo has sentenced 29-year-old resident pastor, Prince Emmanuel Umoh, to death by hanging for the murder of his landlord, Gabriel Bassey Edward, following a dispute linked to property access, missing items, and unpaid rent.

Justice Gabriel Ette ruled that the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubt that the pastor stabbed Edward, a 500-level Civil Engineering student at the University of Uyo who was later posthumously awarded a First Class degree.

Court documents revealed that Edward had moved into his late mother’s property at Ifa Ikot Ubo, where a hall was rented out for worship. Umoh, posted there as the pioneer pastor, was allowed to store church items in the victim’s flat and was later entrusted with a spare key. When valuables belonging to Edward’s late mother went missing, suspicion fell on the pastor, who claimed he had lost the key. The locks were eventually changed, and tensions later escalated over rent meant for property repairs.

On December 21, 2020, neighbours heard screams of “Jesus” from the compound. Umoh was seen leaving in blood-stained clothing, claiming he had fallen. Edward’s decomposing body was discovered days later in his room, wrapped in a mat with multiple stab wounds. A knife was found nearby.

In a judgment lasting over two hours, Justice Ette described the act as appalling, emphasising the sanctity of life and condemning the betrayal of public trust. He concluded by sentencing Umoh to death by hanging.