By Leadership Online News
In a dramatic conclusion to a chilling case that has spanned over a decade, the Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Uyo has sentenced a dismissed soldier and his accomplice to death by hanging for their role in a series of brutal armed robberies targeting commercial tricycle operators, commonly known as “Keke Napep.”
The judgment, delivered by Justice Archibong Archibong, comes 12 years after the duo—Promise Okokon Usoro, a 41-year-old former Lance Corporal of the Nigerian Army, and Odinaka Emmanuel Victor, 32, from Abia State—terrorized tricycle operators in Uyo, robbing them at gunpoint with military-grade weapons.
According to court documents, Usoro, who was attached to the 6 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Ibagwa Barracks in Abak Local Government Area, was dismissed from service after facing a court-martial over the robbery and subsequently handed over to the police for prosecution. On February 10, 2013, he and a now-at-large accomplice known as JJ ambushed and robbed one Peter Daniel Okon of his tricycle along Idoro Road, Uyo, using an AK-47 rifle.
In a chilling confession, Usoro admitted to participating in at least three armed robberies, each targeting tricycle riders. He stated that one of the stolen tricycles was sold by JJ, who later handed him ₦50,000 as his share from the illicit proceeds.
The second convict, Odinaka, who hails from Osisioma Ngwa in Abia State, confessed to robbing another victim, Anyanwu Chidi Francis, along Ikot Ekpene Road in Uyo just four days later on February 14, 2013. Armed with an AK-47 and in the company of Usoro, Odinaka recounted how he was invited from Port Harcourt to Uyo by a gang member named James, who brought him in a Passat vehicle for the criminal operation.
Odinaka further disclosed that his criminal record dated back to his involvement in a tricycle-snatching syndicate in Port Harcourt, reportedly led by one Engr. Obuigwe. He was eventually arrested with one of the stolen tricycles while the rest of the gang, including the ex-soldier, initially managed to escape.
The duo was tried alongside a third accused person, Ndifreke Willie Udo, a 37-year-old from Odoro Ikot in Essien Udim LGA, who was residing in Port Harcourt at the time of the incident. However, after careful deliberation, the court found that there was insufficient evidence linking Udo to the crimes, leading to his acquittal.
Justice Archibong, in his ruling, declared:
> “The prosecution has proved its case beyond every reasonable doubt against the first and second accused. They are hereby sentenced to death by hanging.”
The conviction and sentencing mark a significant victory for justice in a case that gripped the state with fear and outrage over a decade ago. It also underscores the dangers of military involvement in civil crimes and the enduring need for security vigilance among commercial transport operators across the country.
With one accomplice still at large and a complex web of criminal networks exposed across state lines, the case also serves as a stern warning to those who hide behind the uniform or organized syndicates to perpetrate acts of terror against innocent citizens.
Justice, though delayed, has spoken loud and clear.
PIONEER NEWS 