ETIM ASUQUO UKPONG V. THE STATE

HAMMA AKAWU BARKA, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): Mr. Onwinokor Lawrence Esin, a young undergraduate of the Philipine Maritime University was home for the New Year festivities full of life and expectations for the future, but unfortunately and all of a sudden he succumbed to the cold hands of death mysteriously. His parents Chief and Mrs. Lawrence Esin, associates and indeed all kindred, and the entire community were thrown into mourning. Upon learning of the sad demise of the young boy, Michael Solomon Anwana, now deceased in company of his wife, being of the same family with the deceased undergraduate, went to commiserate and sympathize with the bereaved nuclear family. All is said not to have gone down well, when Chief Lawrence Esin, accused the deceased (Michael Solomon Anwana) of shedding crocodile tears as he was infact responsible for the death of his son by witchcraft. The deceased was said to have pleaded with him to assemble elders and to discuss the issue amicabl…