Pastor Sentenced To Death By Hanging For Killing Landlord Over Rent 

P.M.EXPRESS reports that it was the judgment of the Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo, which found the 29-year Pastor Umoh guilty and sentenced him to death by hanging for the murder of his landlord, Gabriel Bassey Edward.

The judgment was delivered on 19th February, 2026, by the presiding judge, Justice Gabriel Ette, who found Umoh guilty of fatally stabbing the late Edward on 21st December, 2020, at Ifa Ikot Ubo in Uyo.

Pastor Umoh served as the pioneer pastor of the church’s Ifa Ikot Ubo–Ifa Ikot Okpon branch before he committed the dastardly act.

The deceased, a 500-level Civil Engineering student at University of Uyo, had moved into his late mother’s property to manage it and stay closer to campus.

A section of the compound, previously used as a nursery school founded by his mother, had been leased to the church for worship at an annual rent of N150,000.

The Court evidence showed that Umoh was seen entering the premises on the day of the incident. Neighbours later reported hearing distressing screams.

The pastor subsequently emerged wearing bloodstained white clothing, claiming he had fallen while trying to mount a church banner.

Edward was not seen alive after that day. His decomposing body was discovered on 26th December, 2020, inside his room, wrapped in a mat. Multiple stab wounds were found on his body, and a knife was recovered at the scene.

Prosecutors told the court that Umoh previously had a spare key to Edward’s apartment to access church property stored there.

Disagreements later arose over missing items and unpaid rent meant for property repairs. The locks were changed after Umoh claimed he had misplaced the key.

He was arrested and arraigned on 6th December, 2021 and he pleaded not guilty hence the trial.The prosecution presented six witnesses during the trial before the judgement.

The Court ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, describing the crime as a serious breach of trust.  The Court consequently sentenced him accordingly and he was moved to prison custody from where he will be hanged in line with the judgement of the Court.

The deceased was later confirmed to have graduated with First Class honours.