A High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has sentenced a resident pastor to death by hanging for the murder of a 500-level Civil Engineering student of the University of Uyo in a case that stunned the local community.
Justice Gabriel Ette delivered the judgment, finding Emmanuel Umoh, Resident Pastor of Living Faith Church Chapel, Ifa Ikot Ubo–Ifa Ikot Okpon Branch, guilty of stabbing Gabriel Bassey to death on December 21, 2020.
The killing occurred within the deceased’s family compound at Ifa Ikot Ubo in Uyo Local Government Area — premises that also housed the church.
A Landlord and a Tenant
Gabriel Bassey had relocated to his late mother’s residence to safeguard the property and remain close to school. Before her death in December 2019, his mother had established a nursery school on the premises.
The compound included a long hall originally built for school use but later rented to Living Faith Church at an annual fee of N150,000 with the consent of Bassey’s father, Emana Bassey, a retired school principal. The church reportedly began using the hall before completing payment.
Umoh was later posted to the branch as its pioneer resident pastor.
The Day of the Killing
Evidence presented in court showed that on December 21, 2020, Umoh was seen entering the compound. Neighbours testified that they heard desperate cries of “Jesus” from within the premises.
Shortly afterwards, Umoh reportedly emerged wearing a white garment stained with blood. He claimed he had fallen while attempting to hang a church banner.
Five days later, on December 26, 2020, Gabriel Bassey’s decomposing body was discovered in his room, wrapped in a mat and bearing multiple lacerations. A butcher’s knife was found beside him.
Umoh, identified as the last person seen with the deceased and unable to provide a credible explanation for the bloodstains, was arrested and charged with one count of murder. He was arraigned on December 6, 2021, and pleaded not guilty.
Tensions Before the Tragedy
During the trial, the prosecution called six witnesses, including the deceased’s father.
The court heard that shortly after the church began operations, Umoh requested permission to store church chairs and items inside the deceased’s flat because the rented hall lacked doors and windows.
The request was granted. However, disputes soon arose. The deceased often had to return home to grant access to the pastor, incurring transport costs that were not reimbursed. Following complaints, a spare key was handed to Umoh.
Afterwards, personal belongings of the deceased’s late mother allegedly began disappearing. When confronted, Umoh reportedly claimed the key had been lost.
The issue was escalated to the church’s senior pastor, Owoidoho Akpan, who testified for the defence and provided N5,000 for the replacement of the locks. Evidence accepted by the court showed that no further items went missing after the locks were changed.
The relationship between both men later deteriorated further over the handling of rent payments meant for property repairs.
‘Life Is Sacred’ — The Judge Speaks
In a judgment that lasted more than two hours, Justice Ette described the case as “deeply disturbing,” recounting the deceased’s mother’s efforts to build an educational legacy on the property before her passing.
“Life is sacred and those who represent God on earth should teach that,” the judge said.
“It is an irony and quite appalling when a man who claims to be the representative of the divine on earth stoops so low as to denigrate the very essence of his calling and take someone’s life on the premises of the church.”
The court held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and described the convict as a danger to society.
“Having found you guilty as charged, I hereby sentence you to death by hanging,” Justice Ette ruled.
The verdict brings a dramatic legal conclusion to a case that has gripped Uyo for years — a crime that unfolded within church walls and ended with a pastor condemned to the gallows.
