Suspect Sentenced To Death For Akwa Ibom Jobseeker Umoren’s Murder

Akwa Ibom State High Court, sitting in Uyo, the state capital, has sentenced a 21-year-old Uduak Akpan to death by hanging for the murder of Akwa Ibom job seeker, Iniubong Umoren.

The court also found the accused guilty of rape and accordingly sentenced him to life imprisonment for having carnal knowledge of the deceased whom he lured to his father’s house in Uruan local government in April 2021 under the pretext of offering her a job.

Delivering judgement which lasted for almost two hours on Thursday, the trial judge, Justice Bassey Nkanang, discharged and acquitted the convicts father, Frank Akpan, and sister, Anwan Bassey (2nd and 3rd defendant) accused of accessory after the fact to murder, respectively.

Nkanang stated, “This court has proved beyond reasonable doubts that you, Uduak Akpan is guilty of murder, and you are charged accordingly. You are to die by hanging until you rot away.”

However, there was confusion in the court as the convict attempted to escape shortly after the sentence was announced by the trial judge.

Our correspondent reports that the convict came out of the dock and immediately grabbed a lawyer by the neck before the security operatives swooped on him, grabbed, and beat him mercilessly, causing a stir in the court.

Speaking after the judgement, the State Attorney general and Commissioner of Justice, Barr. Uko Udom, expressed satisfaction over the ruling of the matter