There was a minor drama yesterday at the Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo, the state capital, immediately after Justice Bassey Nkanang pronounced the death sentence on a 21-year-old Uduak Akpan, who was convicted of murdering Miss Iniubong Umoren, a 24-year-old philosophy graduate of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO).
Umoren was murdered in April of last year while looking for a temporary job before beginning his mandatory NYSC service. She was lured, raped, and killed by the convicted Akpan, who used a phony job offer on social media as bait.
When it became clear that he would be hanged for the crime, he attempted to flee as he was being escorted from the dock to the waiting van, but was apprehended in time by police.
The accused was also sentenced to life in prison on a second rape charge, while his father, Frank Akpan, and sister, Anwan Bassey Akpan, who were accused as co-accused, were released.
However, in the lengthy decision, Justice Nkanang stated that “this court has proven beyond reasonable doubts that you, Uduak Akpan, are guilty of murder and you are charged accordingly.” You will be hanged until you rot away.”
Mr Uko Udom, the state attorney general and commissioner for justice, expressed satisfaction with the ruling on the matter following the verdict.
