Security agents on Thursday foiled an attempt by a convicted murderer, Uduak Akpan to escape from the court after he was sentenced to death.
Akpan, who has been standing trial since last year for the murder of a female job seeker, Iniubong Umoren was sentenced to death by hanging by an Akwa Ibom High Court sitting in Uyo.
The two-part judgement held that while he was being sentenced to life imprisonment for the case of rape, he was also to die by hanging for the case of murder.
He had lured the late Umoren to his father’s residence at Nung Ikono Obio village in Uruan Local Council on the pretext of offering her a job, where he raped and murdered her.
It however took the vigilance and timely intervention of the security officials who overpowered him before taking him inside the waiting prison van.
Presiding Judge, Justice Bassey Nkanang however discharged and acquitted second accused,Frank Akpan and third accused Bassey Anwan, fathwr and sister to the sentenced murderer.
State Attorney General, AG, and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom appreciated security agencies for their investigations that aided the state in presenting a solid case before the court and commended security agents present in court for stalling the attempted escape of the
“But I don’t think the attempted escape is something to be surprised about. This young man committed some very grievous and gruesome offenses. I think the security officials were very attentive and that is why they were able to overcome him and put him up.” The AG said.
He also said that the state would study the judgment and determine whether to appeal the acquittal of Uduak’s father and sister or not
Akpan had during proceedings confessed that he raped and murdered the deceased because she challenged him during the act.
“I first used condom to have sex with Iniubong Umoren and later removed the condom because I did not enjoy the sex. She became infuriated and I reached out to a stabilizer and a box iron and used it to hit her abdominal part and she started to bleed. I hit her again and she screamed. I used her jean trousers and strangled her and she became lifeless.” He had said.
