A State High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has sentenced Emmanuel Umoh, 29, a resident pastor of Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), Ifa Ikot Ubo–Ifa Ikot Okpon branch, to death by hanging for the murder of his landlord, Gabriel Edward.
Mr Edward, 23, a final-year civil engineering student at the University of Uyo, had graduated with a first-class degree, results released after his death confirmed.
Justice Gabriel Ette delivered the verdict on Thursday, February 19, 2026, after finding Mr Umoh guilty of stabbing the student to death on December 21, 2020, at Ifa Ikot Ubo.
The deceased had moved into his late mother’s property to manage her estate and stay close to school.
The compound included a hall rented to Living Faith Church for N150,000 annually. Mr Umoh, posted as the pioneer resident pastor, was given a spare key to the flat where church items were kept.
Investigations revealed that some of the deceased’s late mother’s belongings went missing.
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When confronted, Mr Umoh claimed he had lost the key. Locks were later changed, and the theft reportedly stopped. Tensions escalated over rent money intended for property repairs.
On the day of the killing, neighbours reported hearing screams of “Jesus” from the compound. Mr Umoh emerged in a blood-stained white garment, claiming he had fallen while hanging a banner.
Mr Edward’s decomposed body was discovered five days later, with deep cuts and a butcher’s knife nearby.
Mr Umoh was arrested and arraigned on December 6, 2021, pleading not guilty.
Justice Ette described the case as “very sympathetic” and condemned the act of a religious leader committing murder within church premises.
“Life is sacred, and those who represent God on earth should teach that. He heard the deceased scream, ‘Jesus!’ yet inflicted multiple cuts. Today is judgement day on earth,” the judge said before sentencing Mr Umoh to death by hanging.
Prosecution counsel Iniobong Essang described the case as “deeply emotional” and commended the court for delivering a “well-considered judgement,” noting that justice, though delayed, was served.