…Pleads Not Guilty After Earlier Confession
The trial of Mr Uduak Frank, alleged killer of job seeker, Ms. Iniobong Umoren resumed on Thursday as the Chairman of Uruan local government area of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Iniobong Ekpenyong appeared in the witness box at the State High Court, Uyo to testify before Justice Bassey Nkanang.
Ekpenyong told the court that he used his position as the chief executive and security officer of Uruan L.G.A to extract truth from Uduak Frank accused of killing late Umoren.
The council boss in his testimony, said on 30th April 2021 he returned home from office at about 2pm disturbed with the news trending on social media about the killing of a job seeker, Iniobong Umoren within his council area.
According to him, his attention was immediately drawn to the case when he was called to intervene as the ailing father of the accused was in police custody without his medications. The council boss said he then demanded that Uduak be brought in for questioning in the company of Kufre Ekpenyong, his cousin, as well as cousin of the accused in the presence of the Divisional Police Officer in the area and one DSP Akwa.
“At the veranda of my house he told us that he lost contact with the late Iniobong Umoren at Ibiaku junction in Uruan. He claimed what the social media was saying about him were not true.
“At a point he wasn’t comfortable with the presence of the DPO and DSP Akwa and asked to see me and Kufre inside my parlour. I told him to tell me the truth as I will use my position to assist him. I asked Uduak where is the girl? He said the girl is no more. We were shocked, what happened?
“The girl hit me with something and I hit her back. Uduak had told me and Kufre in my parlour.”
Meanwhile, Uduak Akpan Frank pleaded not guilty to charges of rape and murder brought against him, contrary to his earlier plea of guilty.
The prime suspect in the murder was arraigned today alongside his father, Mr Frank Akpan and his sister, Florence Akpan, who was accused of harbouring Uduak at a residence in Calabar.
Counsel to Uduak Akpan, Barrister Samson Adula of the Akwa Ibom State Legal Aid Council while speaking outside the courtroom said: “Based on the nature of the offence which the first defendant (Uduak Akpan) is standing trial for, even when he pleaded guilty before, a plea of not guilty was entered for him. So it does not matter whether he pleaded guilty or not guilty. It has nothing to do with the Court. So it is left for the prosecutor to prove its case now against him.”
Counsel to second accused, Mr Frank Akpan and Miss Florence Frank Akpan, Bar. Emms Ekongson urged journalists to not coerce interviews from lawyers involved in case to avoid a distraction and risk of sensationalism.
“Wait until judgement. This case is a subjudice as you have all observed. The case is adjourned almost day-to-day, in other words, the court is interested in giving judgement in the case before Easter 2021.” Ekongson told The New Diplomat.
Meanwhile, a former Attorney General in Akwa Ibom State, Bar. Uwemedimo Nwoko, who represented the family of the victim, Iniobong Umoren and the Ati Annang socio cultural group had earlier expected judgement around Christmas 2021. Nwoko said he was pleased with the procedures of the trial and commended the effort of Justice Bassey Nkanang and other parties involved, urging them to expedite judgement in record time.
“The trial is just commencing and it is not time to say much as it relates to the trial. But I can say something about the procedure. As for today, two witnesses have testified. The prosecution is doing well, the court has managed the case very well so emotions are low.
“It is a case that attracts a great deal of public sentiment and I appreciate His Lordship for the sacrifice he is going to put up, his industry and time. Given the nature of this case, it is important that it should be dispensed with as quickly as possible.”
The trial judge, justice Bassey Nkanang adjourned the case to Monday 15th November 2021, while Uduak, the alleged killer of Umoren, his father, Mr Frank Akpan and Miss Florence Akpan were returned to Uyo Correctional Centre. The Court hopes to deliver judgement in the case before Easter 2021.
