An Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Uyo on Wednesday, May 21, 2026, sentenced a church usher, Ndifreke Isaiah Nelson, to death by hanging after finding him guilty of murdering his girlfriend, Emem Monday Effanga, at her residence along Aka Road in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital. The judgment followed months of trial over the tragic killing, which occurred on the morning of February 6, 2025, during a violent altercation between the couple.
According to court proceedings, the incident happened at the victim’s apartment in Uyo shortly after Nelson reportedly visited Emem Effanga on the morning of his birthday. Prosecutors told the court that an argument broke out after the suspect allegedly demanded to use the victim’s phone to take photographs for his birthday celebration and social media posts. The disagreement later turned violent, during which he reportedly strangled her to death and fled with her mobile phone.
The incident came to light later on February 6, 2025, after family members and neighbours reportedly became worried when the deceased could no longer be reached. Security operatives subsequently launched an investigation into the killing.
Police authorities said Ndifreke Nelson was arrested days later at a church along Nsikak Eduok Avenue in Uyo during an overnight church programme while allegedly attempting to evade arrest. Investigators reportedly recovered evidence linking him to the crime during the investigation.
The case generated widespread outrage both within the local community and across social media, especially because the convict was known as an active church worker and usher. Many Nigerians reacted with shock and demanded justice for the deceased.
After months of trial, Justice Ekpo Ntekim on May 21, 2026, found Ndifreke Nelson guilty of murder and robbery linked to the death of Emem Effanga and subsequently sentenced him to death by hanging.
The case has continued to spark conversations about relationship violence and the growing number of domestic-related killings being recorded across Nigeria.
