An Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Essien Udim has sentenced a man, Uwakmfon Isaac Jonah, to life imprisonment for attempting to murder an 11-year-old girl.
The conviction was delivered on Thursday, June 25, 2026, by Hon. Justice Winifred Effiong in Charge No. HEU/8C/2024, The State v. Uwakmfon Isaac Jonah.
According to court proceedings, the victim was assisting her mother in selling pepper at Urua Akpan Market in Essien Udim when the defendant lured her away under the pretext of taking her to meet her mother at a nearby waterleaf farm to collect payment.
The court heard that after leading the child into a bush path, the defendant attacked her with a knife when she became suspicious and refused to proceed further. He allegedly attempted to slit her throat and gouge out her left eye.
Believing the girl had died from the attack, the defendant fled the scene. However, the victim survived after pretending to be dead and later managed to return to the market, where she reunited with her mother. She was subsequently rushed to St. Mary’s Hospital, Urua Akpan, for medical treatment.
The suspect was later apprehended by village youths and handed over to law enforcement authorities.
Following the trial, Justice Effiong found the defendant guilty of attempted murder and sentenced him to life imprisonment.
The prosecution was led by Godwin Udom Esq.
Reacting to the judgment, the Publicity Unit of the Law Officers Association of Nigeria (LOAN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, described the verdict as a victory for justice and a strong warning to individuals who prey on children.
The association commended the court and prosecution team for securing the conviction, stressing that the state remains committed to protecting vulnerable members of society and ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes are held accountable.
