Outrage Trails Court Ruling on Murder of Akwa Ibom Lawyer, Godwin Ikoiwak

Family members and associates of the late Barrister Godwin Ikoiwak, a counsel with the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Justice, have expressed deep dissatisfaction with a recent judgment delivered by a State High Court in Uyo over his murder.

The court, presided over by Justice Bassey Nkanang (on extended jurisdiction from Mkpat Enin), convicted five out of six defendants in the high-profile murder case but handed down what many described as “lenient sentences” despite the gravity of the crime. Ikoiwak was allegedly murdered during a visit to his in-laws in Ikono LGA after raising concerns over his wife’s alleged infidelity and the paternity of their children.

Summary of Charges and Sentences

The defendants, including the deceased’s wife, Barr. Abasiesebanga Ikoiwak (1st defendant), her mother Margaret Patrick Umoh (2nd), her sister Owoidoho Patrick Umoh (3rd), and three medical staff of St. Luke’s Hospital – Dr. Imoh Johnson (4th), Rev. Fr. Gabriel Ekong (5th), and Dr. Isaac Njoku (6th) – faced a five-count charge, including conspiracy to murder, murder, accessory after the fact, and issuance of a false medical certificate.

The court sentenced:

• Barr. Abasiesebanga Ikoiwak – 2 years’ imprisonment for accessory after the fact, starting March 18, 2022.

• Margaret Patrick Umoh and Owoidoho Umoh – 10 years each for murder, starting May 1, 2022.

• Dr. Imoh Johnson – 2 years, from June 25, 2025.

• Rev. Fr. Gabriel Ekong – 4 years, from June 25, 2025.

• Dr. Isaac Njoku – Discharged and acquitted.

The court ruled that the sentences would run concurrently from the dates of their initial detention. Two other suspects, Udeme Patrick Umoh and Isaiah Gideon Isaiah, remain at large.

Controversy Over Leniency

Autopsy results presented during the trial revealed that Ikoiwak died from poisoning (organophosphate, locally known as ota piapia) and sustained physical injuries. The prosecution also presented evidence showing phone communications between the 1st defendant and others during the incident.

Despite the damning findings, relatives and friends of the deceased, including Barr. Sunny Anyanwu—a former classmate—criticized the judgment, labeling it a miscarriage of justice. “This is not justice. A woman who coordinated a murder gets just two years and is technically free,” Anyanwu said after the judgment.

He also expressed frustration that key figures, such as Rev. Fr. Maurice Mbeke—alleged to have facilitated the falsified death certificate—have not been arrested or charged.

Calls for Appeal

Counsel for the state, Barr. Joseph Umoren, has filed a notice of appeal. Defense lawyers, including Effiong Abia representing Dr. Johnson, also expressed intentions to appeal, citing misapplication of legal principles.

The Ikoiwak family has vowed to pursue justice at the appellate court. Supporters argue that failure to overturn the verdict could set a dangerous precedent for future cases involving criminal conspiracy and cover-ups.

Ikoiwak’s death occurred after he reportedly visited his in-laws to address marital concerns. His wife later claimed he had died from an asthma attack at St. Luke’s Hospital—a claim disproved by medical evidence and autopsy findings.