Living Faith Pastor Sentenced to Death in Uyo for Landlord’s Murder

A 29-year-old pastor of Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) in Uyo has been sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of his landlord, a University of Uyo student whose posthumous results revealed a First Class degree.

Justice Gabriel Ette of the Akwa Ibom State High Court delivered the judgment on Thursday, convicting Prince Emmanuel Umoh, the resident pastor of the Ifa Ikot Ubo–Ifa Ikot Okpon branch, for the brutal killing of Gabriel Bassey Edward, a 500-level civil engineering student.

Murder in Church Premises Shocks Community

The court heard that the deceased, who lived in a two-bedroom flat within his late mother’s property, had rented a hall on the premises to the church for worship activities. On December 21, 2020, Umoh was reportedly seen entering the compound. Neighbours later heard screams, and the pastor emerged in a blood-stained garment, claiming he had fallen while hanging a banner.

Gabriel’s body was discovered on December 26, 2020, wrapped in a mat with multiple stab wounds, and a butcher’s knife found beside him. Umoh, who was the last person seen with the victim, was promptly arrested.

Tensions Over Property and Church Operations

Evidence presented in court highlighted disputes between the deceased and the pastor over access to church property, missing valuables, and handling of rent for the hall. Witnesses, including the deceased’s father, testified that tensions escalated after the pastor requested and was given a spare key to the flat.

The church’s senior pastor, Owoidoho Etuk Akpan, also testified, confirming that funds were provided to change locks after complaints of missing items.

Court Condemns Pastor’s Actions

Justice Ette described the case as “very sympathetic,” emphasizing the deceased’s late mother’s efforts to develop the property for educational purposes. He condemned the pastor’s betrayal of public trust and the sacredness of life.

“Life is sacred and those who represent God on earth should teach that. 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 in the premises of the church,” the judge said.

The court ruled that Umoh’s actions posed a danger to society and must be met with the full weight of the law, sentencing him to death by hanging