MUHAMMED LAWAL SHUAIBU, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This appeal is against the judgment of the High Court of Akwa Ibom State sitting in Oron delivered on 6th August, 2018 wherein the appellant was convicted for arson and kidnapping and thereby sentenced to death by hanging.
The appellant who was the 2nd accused person was arraigned with Lawrence Okon Esin, Godwin Etim Okon and Bassey Ita Ekpenyong before the High Court of Akwa Ibom State, Oron judicial division, for the offences of arson and kidnapping, contrary to Section 464 (a) and Section 465 (a) and (b) of the Criminal Code of Akwa Ibom State and Section 1 of the Internal Security and Enforcement Law of Akwa Ibom State, 2009.
The charge No: HOR/19C/2012 read as follows:
Count 1:
STATEMENT OF OFFENCE
ARSON, contrary to Section 464 (a) (b) of the Criminal Code, Cap.38, Vol.2, Laws of Akwa Ibom State 2000.
PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE
LAWRENCE OKON ESIN, GODWIN OTU ITA, GODWIN ETIM OKON and BASSEY ITA EKPENYONG and others now at la…