Slain job seeker: Court orders correctional service to produce 3rd accused

The Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo has ordered the Nigeria Correctional Service to produce one Anwan Bassey Akpan, the third accused in the murder case of a job seeker, Iniubong Umoren. Justice Bassey Nkanang, who issued the warrant on Tuesday, directed that the third accused person who was absent in court be brought […]

The Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo has ordered the Nigeria Correctional Service to produce one Anwan Bassey Akpan, the third accused in the murder case of a job seeker, Iniubong Umoren.

Justice Bassey Nkanang, who issued the warrant on Tuesday, directed that the third accused person who was absent in court be brought for hearing tomorrow for obstructing the arrest of her brother, Uduak Akpan, the first accused person.

Uduak Akpan is standing trial alongside his father, Frank Akpan, listed as second accused, for the murder of one Miss Iniubong Umoren, a graduate of philosophy from the University of Uyo, who he lured, raped and killed on the pretext of offering her a job.

Justice Nkanang issued the warrant following the prayers of the state’s Solicitor General, Christopher Udoh, who urged the court to issue the production warrant since the third accused person was not in court. 

Counsels to the defendants, Emms Ekongson and Samson Adula, did not raise objection to the prayer of the prosecution counsel.

Justice Nkanang also ordered that a witness summons be served to the Chairman of Uruan LGA, Surv Iniobong Ekpenyong, at his residence in Ewet Housing, Uyo, and to one Kufre Michael Effiong of No 16 Esuene Street, Uyo.

Justice Nkanang, who is substituting Justice Bennett Illaumo who had presided over the case, promised to follow the trial dates of his predecessor and adjourned the case to November 4, 2021.