Uyo Court Sentences Pastor to Death for Killing Landlord Over Property Dispute

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

An Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo has sentenced 29-year-old living faith 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 rent issues.

Justice Gabriel Ette ruled that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that the pastor stabbed Edward, 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 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, suspicion 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, claiming he had fallen. Edward’s decomposing body was discovered days later in his room, wrapped in a mat with multiple stab wounds, and a knife found nearby.

In a judgment 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.