Police parades Uduak Akpan, prime suspect to the murder of Iniobong Umoren buried today

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has paraded Uduak Akpan, the murder suspect who raped and killed Miss Iniubong Umoren, the unsuspecting job seeker.

Amiengheme Andrew, Akwa Ibom Police Commissioner said the parade was necessary to dispel rumours that the suspect had committed suicide while in their custody.

According to him, investigation into the case was still ongoing and would be followed through assuring that justice will be served at the end of the day.

He accused the social media of circulating false and fabricated stories on the death of Iniobong Umoren.

“It has become expedient and necessary for us to have this press conference because of the recent happenings and what we are seeing in the media.

“For the past three days, there has been the rumour going around that the prime suspect, Uduak Frank Akpan, in the murder of Iniubong Umoren, has committed suicide in police cell. They even gave details that he used his trousers to kill himself.

“I don’t know anywhere in the world where suspects are put in the cell with trousers, that he committed suicide using trouser to hang himself.

“I have been inundated with several calls from all over the world as if the police tried to bungle a case of murder and that is why we have decided to call this press conference so we can see him.

“The person who is said to be dead is sitting down here. He is very much alive, hale and hearty.

“It is most unfortunate that the social media which is supposed to be an advantage to the police and the citizenry has become a tool that is being used to vilify the police and the government,” he stated.

The CP denied the existence of other shallow graves in the compound where the buried body of Iniubong was exumed, saying no bones were found there and added that the facility where the suspect was arrested has no place to keep body parts.

He said since investigations into the case was ongoing, the police was yet to find out if the suspect was part of any body harvesting organisation.

He appealed to members of the public to furnish the police with any information regarding the case instead of circulating false and unverified information on the social media.

And while fielding questions from newsmen, the suspect, Uduak Akpan, who was paraded alongside his father Mr Frank Akpan, confessed that he has so far raped six girls but only Iniubong Umoren died from the attack.

His father, Frank Akpan denied knowledge of the criminal activities of his son, saying he didn’t know his son was a rapist and did not stay in the village to know what his son was doing in their family compound.

Meanwhile, the late Iniobong Umoren has been buried today Friday in her family compound in Nung Ita, Ikot Essien in Oruk Anam local government area.

At the funeral service, friends and sympathizers of the deceased uttered curses on Uduak Frank Akpan and others behind the heinous crime, and were not deterred by the heavy rain that fell.

During the lying in state, family and friends of the deceased wept uncontrollably, describing the death of Iniubong Umoren as a great loss.

Her elder sister, Ifiok Umoren described Iniubong as her best friend, confidant, who was hardworking, honest and outspoken.

“I and Iniubong had cordial relationship as sisters. It’s painful that she was cut in her prime. I feel bad that she has to go this day.

“She knows how to fix things, a very good coordinator and a strategist. I’m going to miss her selfless service. I pray God to give Iniubong justice,” she said.

According to the funeral programme, Iniubong Umoren was born on April 16, 1995 to late Mr Ephraim Rufus Umoren of Nung Ita, Ikot Essien Oruk Anam and late Mrs Beneditte Alexander of Afaha Ikot Akwa in Ukanafun LGA.

She attended Cardinal Ekanem Nursery and Primary School, Abak and Stella Maris Secondary School, Ikot Etim, Ukanafun as well as Southern Annang Comprehensive Secondary School, Ikot Okoro where she obtained her SSCE.

Iniubong was a student in the Department of Philosophy, University of Uyo and graduated with a CGPA of 4.12 from a 5.0 grade scale.

The funeral service was conducted by Faith Tabernacle, Ikot Ibritam District at the deceased family compound in Nung Ita, Ikot Essien, Oruk Anam local council area, Akwa Ibom State.