Iniobong Umoren: Court sentences Akwa Ibom jobseeker’s killer to death

A high court sitting in Akwa Ibom state has sentenced Uduak Akpan to death by hanging for the murder of Iniobong Umoren, a graduate of philosophy, University of Uyo.

According to BBC pidgin, Bassey Nkanang, the judge, gave the verdict, on Thursday.

Umoren was declared missing in May 2021 after leaving home to meet Akpan over a potential job offer in Akwa Ibom and was found dead days later.

The incident caused outrage on social media as many Nigerians called for the arrest of her killer.

The Akwa Ibom police command arrested Akpan after Umoren’s body was found in a shallow grave at the backyard of the convict’s house.

In May 2021, during an interview by journalists, Akpan said he killed Umoren over a disagreement during sexual intercourse.

Akpan was taken to court on charges bordering on rape and murder.

Delivering the verdict, the judge acquitted Frank Akpan and Anwan-Bassey Akpan who were co-accused in the trial.