Uduak Akpan, the alleged killer of Iniubong Umoren, a 20-year-old undergraduate, has reversed his earlier confession and pleaded not guilty to the two-count accusation of murder and rape leveled against him.
It should be noted that in May of 2021, Akpan admitted to enticing, murdering, and burying the body in a shallow grave in Akwa Ibom state while speaking to newsmen.
He was then detained and put into police custody, according to reports.
The suspect appeared in court on Thursday, November 4, said he is innocent after the prosecuting witnesses, Chairman of Uruan Local Government of the state, Surveyor Iniobong Ekpeyong and his cousin, Kufre Effiong, gave evidence in court.
Uduak’s father and second accused person, Frank Akpan, and his sister and third accused, Bassey Anwan Akpan, have also pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of sheltering Uduak despite knowing he murdered Iniubong Umoren.
Meanwhile, the case has been adjourned to Monday, November 15, 2021, and the presiding judge, Justice Bassey Nkanang, promised to accelerate the court hearing with a view to pass judgement before Easter, 2022.
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