The family and friends of late Barrister Godwin Ikoiwak, a legal officer with the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Justice, have expressed deep dissatisfaction over the verdict delivered by a State High Court in Uyo concerning his murder.

Their outrage stems from what they describe as lenient sentences given to individuals convicted in connection with the gruesome killing. The court sentenced Barr. Ikoiwak’s wife, Abasiesebanga Ikoiwak, to only two years in prison, while her mother, Margaret Patrick Umoh, and sister, Owoidoho Patrick Umoh, each received 10-year jail terms despite being implicated in the murder.

The deceased’s wife and her relatives, along with three staff members of St Luke’s Hospital, were tried on a five-count charge including conspiracy to murder, actual murder, being accessories after the fact, conspiracy to commit an unlawful act, and issuing a false death certificate.

Justice Bassey Nkanang, sitting on extended jurisdiction from Mkpat Enin, presided over the case (suit no. HU/50/2022). He convicted five of the six defendants after evaluating witness testimonies and 51 exhibits. Dr. Isaac Njoku, one of the hospital staff, was discharged and acquitted.

The court established that Ikoiwak was poisoned with organophosphate (commonly referred to as "Ota Piapia") during a visit to his mother-in-law’s home. The autopsy also revealed physical injuries on his body, including around the eye, neck, and ankle.

Data analysis revealed that although the wife was not physically present at the scene—she was in Calabar—she maintained constant communication with her mother and sister during the time of the incident.

Evidence also showed that a Reverend Father Maurice Mbeke contacted the hospital's administrator, Rev. Father Gabriel Ekong, about issuing a death certificate for someone who died outside the hospital. Ekong reportedly agreed and instructed Dr. Imoh Johnson to create false documentation claiming the deceased had been treated for asthma at the facility before passing away.

Justice Nkanang sentenced the following:

Abasiesebanga Ikoiwak (wife): 2 years for being an accessory after the fact (starting March 18, 2022)

Margaret Patrick Umoh (mother-in-law): 10 years for murder (from May 1, 2022)

Owoidoho Patrick Umoh (sister-in-law): 10 years (from May 1, 2022)

Dr. Imoh Johnson: 2 years (starting June 25, 2025)

Rev. Father Gabriel Ekong: 4 years (starting June 25, 2025)

The court stated that these sentences would run concurrently.

Following the judgement, the prosecution, led by Barr. Joseph Umoren, announced its intention to appeal. The defence team for the 1st to 3rd defendants was led by Barr. Ekpenyong Ntekim, while Effiong Abia and Glory Kofi represented the 4th and 5th defendants.

Speaking to journalists, Barr. Sunny Anyanwu, a friend and classmate of the deceased, criticized the judgement, calling it a miscarriage of justice. He expressed disbelief that someone who orchestrated the murder was given a minimal sentence, effectively amounting to early release, as it was backdated to 2022.

Anyanwu also questioned why key players, such as Rev. Father Mbeke—allegedly instrumental in facilitating the cover-up—have not been arrested or brought to trial.

“The judgement was deeply flawed. It does not reflect the gravity of the crime committed. The deceased’s father died heartbroken just last year. This is injustice,” he said, calling on the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Justice to file an appeal.

On his part, Dr. Johnson’s lawyer, Effiong Abia, commended the judge’s effort but affirmed plans to challenge the decision at the appellate level. He argued that crucial legal principles may not have been correctly applied.

The tragedy reportedly began after Ikoiwak raised suspicions about his wife’s fidelity and the paternity of their children. During a visit to her family in Ikono LGA to discuss the matter, he was allegedly murdered.

His wife later claimed he died of an asthma attack at St Luke’s Hospital and presented a false death certificate. However, further investigation and an autopsy revealed he was poisoned and had suffered physical assault.