An Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Uyo, the state capital, has adjourned to November and December 2021 for accelerated hearing on a murder case involving one Uduak Akpan, accused of killing a female job seeker in the state, Iniuobong Umoren.

The Presiding Judge of the State High Court 6, Justice Bennett Ilamoh, announced the adjournment of the case for accelerated hearing yesterday after one of the witnesses, Iniuobong Umoren’s sister testified in court.

The first accused person, Uduak Akpan, is standing trial for the alleged murder of Umoren, a 26-years old graduate of Philosophy of the University of Uyo, whom he allegedly lured, raped and murdered with the pretext of offering her a job.

Akpan’s father, Frank Akpan who is the second accused is being prosecuted on one count charge of accessory after the facts.

The first accused had, in his first arraignment, pleaded guilty to the murder charge while returning a no guilty plead to the second charge bordering on rape.

The trail Judge also struck out the application for bail filed by the counsel to second accused, Barrister Emms Ekongson, because the application came by sermon rather than motion.

The state Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, ministry of Justice, Barrister Christopher Udo, who represented the state commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom, declined comments on the case.

State coordinator of the legal Aid Counsel, Sampson Adula, who stood in for the first accused, Uduak Akpan, said he was in the case for the sake of justice and fair hearing expressing optimism that the court would move with speed as required.

“The case of the accused persons was opened today (Wednesday) as you are aware. The first witness has testified in parts, we have not concluded our examination. The matter has been adjourned to later dates. After the vacation, we will all continue in summary that is what transpired.

On whether he was satisfied with the proceedings, he said, “We are all here for the sake of justice; we’ve started. I’m sure we are going to move with the speed that is required.”

Counsel to Frank Akpan, who is the second accused, Emms Ekongson, expressed appreciation to journalists for their interest in the case but urged them to realise that the case was subjudice and pending under a judge.

“I want to thank the press for their interest in this case and for publicizing it. Secondly, the press should know that the case is subjudice. It is pending under a judge and for that reason,we all are duty bound not to make comments in respect to what is going on in the court,” he said.