Photo: The convict and the victim
An Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo has sentenced a 21-year-old man, Uduak Akpan, to death by hanging for raping and murdering a job applicant, Miss Iniubong Umoren.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, the trial judge, Justice Bassey Nkanang, held that, “The prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubts that you, Uduak Akpan, is guilty of murder and you are accordingly sentenced to death by hanging until you rot away.’’
The court also discharged and acquitted the convict’s father, Frank Akpan and sister, Anwan Bassey, who were earlier charged with “accessory to the fact of murder.”
Akpan was first arraigned on April 29, 2021 on charges of rape and murder.
The convict had lured the deceased to his father’s house under the pretext of offering her a job but ended up raping and killing her instead.
Reacting to the judgment, Mr Uko Udom, Akwa Ibom State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice,, expressed satisfaction at the speedy trial and conclusion of the matter.
He said, “I thank the presiding judge over the way and manner this matter has been conducted.
“The judge was able to try the case on a day-to-day basis and at the end of the day we have a judgment that reassures the public that the justice system still works.
“We are very happy about the outcome of the case.”
Periscope International reports that the convict attempted to run away from the court immediately after the judge pronounced the death sentence on him, engendering a mild drama.
He was, however, overpowered by the combined team of prison and police operatives within the court and held down to submission
