There has been strong public outrage in Akwa Ibom following the sentencing of Abasiesebanga Ikoiwak, wife of the late Godwin Ikoiwak, a state counsel, to only two years in prison over her involvement in his murder.
The judgement, delivered by Justice Bassey Nkanang of the Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Uyo, has drawn bitter reactions from family, friends, and colleagues of the late lawyer, who say justice has not been served.
Barrister Godwin Ikoiwak was reportedly poisoned and murdered in 2022 during a visit to his in-laws in Ikono Local Government Area after allegedly confronting his wife over issues relating to infidelity and the paternity of their children.
His wife, her mother, and sister, along with staff of St Luke’s Hospital, were charged with conspiracy to murder, murder, and falsification of documents.
After a lengthy trial involving 14 witnesses and 51 exhibits, the court found five of the six accused persons guilty. However, the sentences handed down — two years for the wife, ten years each for her mother and sister, and short terms for the hospital staff — have sparked public anger.
Justice Nkanang ruled that the wife, though not present at the murder scene, was in constant contact with the killers and facilitated efforts to cover up the crime, including obtaining a fake death certificate claiming her husband died of asthma.
“The sentence starts from March 18, 2022,” the judge said — meaning the wife could walk free within months.
Friends of the deceased, including Barr Sunny Anyanwu, described the judgment as a “miscarriage of justice.” “This is not justice,” he said. “She practically walks free for helping to kill her husband. It’s heartbreaking.”
Anyanwu and other family members have vowed to challenge the ruling at the Appeal Court. The Akwa Ibom Ministry of Justice has also served notice of intention to appeal.
The late Ikoiwak’s family maintains that he was killed in cold blood and are calling for stiffer punishment for those involved. Two other suspects remain at large.
