Court adjourns trial of Akwa Ibom job seeker’s ‘killer’ till Nov 1

A high court sitting in Akwa Ibom state has adjourned the trial of Uduak Akpan, alleged killer of Iniobong Umoren, the Akwa Ibom job seeker, to November for accelerated hearing.

In May, Umoren, a graduate of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), was found dead — a few days after she was declared missing.

The state police command had thereafter apprehended Akpan for “kidnapping, countlessly raping, and killing the victim.”

In July, the 20-year-old had admitted to killing the job seeker but pleaded not guilty to the rape charge against him when he was arraigned.

During his trial on Wednesday, Bennett Ilamoh, the presiding judge, held that the accelerated hearing of the case will take place on November 1, 2, 4, 10, 11, 15 and 16.

Ilamoh added that the trial will also continue from December 1, 2, 13, 14 and 15th respectively.

The adjournment of the trial had come after Umoren’s sister, who is one of the witnesses in the case, testified before the court.

It also comes as the trial judge quashed a bail application filed by Frank Akpan, Uduak’s father, who is also being prosecuted on one count charge of accessory after the facts.

In its ruling, the court had dismissed Frank’s bail application filed through Emms Ekongson, his counsel, saying the application came by sermon rather than motion.

TheCable Lifestyle had reported how Umoren was buried, with friends and family members demanding justice for the deceased.