The Federal High Court in Uyo has sentenced a 30-year-old man, Nkereuwem Felix Effiong, to life imprisonment for his role in the abduction of an Akwa Ibom High Court judge, Justice Joy Unwana.

Justice Joy Unwana and her driver, Idorenyin Ekanem, were kidnapped on December 18, 2023, along the Okobo Esuk Inwang–Ndon Ebom Road. During the attack, the judge’s police orderly, ThankGod Ekanem, was shot dead.

Investigations by the State Security Service led to Effiong’s arrest on July 4, 2024, along Ikot Ekpene Road in Uyo. He later admitted involvement in multiple kidnappings carried out by a criminal group known as the “Bling Bling Marine Striker Force,” headed by one Ubong Effiong, alias “Condiment,” who remains at large.

In his statement to investigators, Effiong disclosed that he participated in three major abductions, including that of Justice Unwana. He revealed that the gang collected a ransom of N25 million for the judge’s release, from which he received N300,000.

Effiong also confessed to the kidnapping of a pastor of The Apostolic Church in Oron and another victim whose family paid N5 million, from which he received N50,000.

He told investigators that the gang frequently used mini-buses for their operations and occasionally targeted locals and fishermen to raise funds.

Effiong pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy, membership of a terrorist group, kidnapping, and concealing information about the gang’s activities.

On Monday, February 23, 2026, Justice Chigozie Sergius Onah found Effiong guilty on three counts and sentenced him to 25 years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit terrorism, 20 years for membership of a terrorist group, and life imprisonment for the kidnapping of Justice Unwana.

He was, however, discharged and acquitted on the charge of concealing information.

The ruling marks a key victory for law enforcement in Akwa Ibom State and sends a stern warning to kidnapping syndicates operating in the region.