An Akwa Ibom State High Court, sitting in Uyo, yesterday, has sentenced Uduak Akpan to death by hanging, for the rape and murder of a University of Uyo graduate of Philosophy, Miss Iniobong Umoren.
Umoren was declared missing in May 2021, after leaving home to meet Akpan over a potential job offer, in Akwa Ibom, and was found dead days later.
The incident caused outrage on social media, as many Nigerians called for the arrest of her killer. The Akwa Ibom Police Command arrested Akpan, after Umoren’s body was found in a shallow grave in the backyard of the convict’s house.
The convict, Akpan, a suspected serial rapist and killer, was convicted after he was found guilty on Counts 1 and 2, bordering on rape and murder preferred against him by the Akwa Ibom State government.
In his judgement, the trial Judge, Justice Bassey Nkanang, sentenced Uduak-Abasi Akpan to death by hanging, in respect of the charge of murder, and life imprisonment for the charge of rape.
Frank Akpan, his daughter acquitted
However, Nkanang discharged and acquitted both second and third defendants in the case, Mr Frank Akpan, and his daughter, Anwan-Bassey Akpan, on the ground that there was no sufficient evidence to prove the case preferred against them.
Both the second and third defendants, (father and daughter) were charged on counts 3 and 4, bordering on accessory after the fact, to murder.
Pronouncing judgment on Uduak-Abasi Akpan, Justice Nkanang said: “In respect to the first defendant, the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt the charges of rape and murder preferred against him.
“The first defendant Uduak-Abasi Akpan is, hereby, sentenced to life imprisonment for rape; that you be hanged to death for the charge of murder. This is the judgement of this Court in this case”
Attempt to escape
Meanwhile, the court premises was thrown into confusion and panic when Uduak-Abasi turned violent by attacking a lawyer in the courtroom and attempting to escape through, after the Judge pronounced the judgement on him.
The security men, especially the Policemen within the Court premises and Prison officers inside the courtroom, were quick to stop him at the door of the courtroom.
