Upon an information filed by the State at the Ogoja High Court Division of the High Court of Cross-River State, the appellant was charged with the offence of murder. His plea was taken, and the appellant pleaded not guilty. In supported of its case, the State called three witnesses. At the end of the case for the prosecution, the appellant gave evidence on oath on his own behalf. The learned trial Judge, following the addresses of counsel for the appellant and the State delivered a reserved judgement. For the reasons given in the judgement, the appellant was found guilty of the offence of murder. He was thereafter sentenced to death by hanging.

The appellant then filed an appeal to the Court of Appeal against the judgment and orders of the trial court. His appeal was dismissed.

He then further appealed to the Supreme Court.