The State High Court, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, presided over by Justice Joy Unwana, sentenced the convicts - three policemen, a woman and three others to death by hanging.
The woman was hired by the gang of kidnappers for N50, 000, to cook for their victim, Deaconess Ime Anietie Ekanem, while they negotiated for ransom.
The state instituted the suit against eight members of the gang in 2012.
They are: Cpl Emmanuel Charlie, Ekaette Edet Moses, Fidelis Emmanson Jeremiah, Cpl Bassey Sunday (377812), PC Mfon Bassey (478463), Ndu Okon Johnny, Unyime Edem Etukakpan and Itohowo Godwin Akpakwa.
They were convicted on all three-count charges of conspiracy to commit felony, kidnapping, and concealing, aiding and sponsoring kidnapping.
Justice Unwana said: “The decision of the court to pass the death sentence is in tandem with the anti-kidnapping law of Akwa Ibom State. It is loud statement to the country that the crime of kidnapping is grievous offence in the state and punishable by death. I hope it will discourage those planning to engage in the crime to steer clear off Akwa Ibom.”
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