An Akwa Ibom State High Court 6, sitting in Uyo, on Wednesday adjourned for accelerated hearing the case of murder involving one Uduak Akpan
The presiding Judge Justice Bennett Ilamoh adjourned the case to 1st , 2nd,4th, 10th,11th,15th and 16th November and 1st, 2nd,13th,14th and 15th December respectively.
Uduak Akpan the first accused person is standing trial over alleged murder of one Iniuobong Umoren, a 26-years old graduate of Philosophy of the University of Uyo, who he allegedly lured, raped and murdered in the pretext of offering her a job.
Akpan’s father, Frank Akpan who is the second accused is being prosecuted on one count charge of accessory.
The first accused had, in his first arraignment in court pleaded guilty to murder charge while returning a no guilty plead to the second charge bordering on rape
Ilamoh adjourned the case for accelerated hearing after one of the witnesses, Iniuobong Umoren’s sister testified in court
The trial Judge also struck out the application for bail filed by the counsel to second accused, Barrister Emms Ekongson because the application came by way of summon rather than motion.
The state Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Barrister Christopher Udo, who represented the state commissioner of Justice, Uko Udom, however declined comments.
However, the State coordinator of the legal Aid Counsel Barrister Sampson Adula, who is standing in for the first accused, Uduak Akpan, said he is in the case for the sake of justice, but said the court would move with speed as required.
“The case of the accused persons was opened today as you are aware. The first witness has testified in parts, we have not concluded our examination, the matter has been adjourned to later dates after the vacation we will all continue in summary that is what transpired.” Adula said.
Counsel to the 2nd accused, Frank Akpan,, Barrister Emma Ekongson, expressed appreciation to journalists for their interest in the case but added that the case is subjudice and pending under a judge
“I want to thank the press for their interest in this case and for publicizing it, secondly, the press should know that the case is subjudiced.
” It is pending under a judge and for that reason we all are duty bound not to make comments in respect to what is going on in the court.” Ekongson said.
