Akwa Ibom State High Court 6, sitting in Uyo, the state capital, 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 after the facts.
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
Justice Ilamoh adjourned the case for accelerated hearing and 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 the second accused, Barrister Emms Ekongson because the application came by sermon 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, adding that the court will 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,” he said.
Asked whether he was satisfied with the proceedings, he said, “We are all here for the sake of justice. We’ve started and I’m sure we are going to move with the speed that is required.”
Counsel to the second accused, Frank Akpan, Barrister Emms Ekongson, expressed appreciation to journalists for their interest in the case and charged them to realise that the case is subjudice and pending under a judge
“I want to thank the press for their interest in this case and for publicising it. Secondly, the press should know that the case is sub judice.
“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”.
