As Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo began fresh trial of the murder of Iniubong Umoren, the prime suspect has made a U-turn by pleading ‘I am not guilty.’
Uduak Frank Akpan who is the accused in the alleged murder of Iniubong the Philosophy graduate of the University of Uyo had at the beginning of the trial pleaded guilty to killing the job seeker.
The court now presided over by Justice Bassey Nkanang began the de novo trial of the accused following the transfer of Justice Bennett Illaumoh who first handled the matter.
The court heard from the 2nd Prosecution Witness, Kufre Effiong who mounted the witness box, and described the first accused person, UduakAbasi Frank Akpan as his paternal cousin.
He told the Court that UduakAbasi Frank Akpan confessed to him and the Chairman of Uruan Local Government, Surveyor Iniobong Ekpenyong in his parlour at Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo that he killed Iniubong Umoren.
On how long he has known the accused person, he told the Court that he has known UduakAbasi Frank Akpan since he was born over 20 years ago.
The Chairman, Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Surveyor Iniobong Ekpenyong mounted witness box, gave evidence into his role that facilitated the arrest of Akpan standing trial over murder of Iniubong Umoren.
Surveyor Ekpenyong told the Court that he knew UduakAbasi Frank Akpan for the past two years that the family lived in Abuja.
Meanwhile, Justice Nkanang has promised to give judgment before Easter, 2022.
The trial continues.
