In the State V. Iniobong Okon Ukut & Another – HU/24C/2021, the defendants were charged with 3 counts charge of conspiracy and Armed Robbery.

The 1st defendant was charged with CONSPIRACY And ARMED ROBBERY contrary to sections 6(b) and 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap, R11, Vol. 14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The 2nd defendant Prince Effiong Okon was charged with CONSPIRACY and RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY contrary to section 448(2) of the Criminal Code Cap. 38, Vol. II, Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2000 at the High court, Oron Judicial Division.

The 1st defendant, a commercial motorcyclist was alleged to have conspired with others at large to rob one Chinedu Okenwa, a business man and his regular motorbike customer that he carries to various villages to transact his business, of the sum of #7.5m, on that fateful day when he went to carry him from one of the villages to Oron, while the 2nd defendant received the sum of #200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) only from the 1st defendant knowing that the money was a proceed of Armed Robbery.

The defendants have been in both police and correctional custody since 2020. Hearing commenced in January 2022 before His lordship Hon. Justice Joy Uwanna , and the prosecution called 2 witnesses, the nominal complainant and divisional IPO. However, after his evidence in court and passing through the crucibles of cross examination, the nominal complainant had a rethink and wrote a letter of withdrawal to the Hon. Attorney General of the state, who refused same on the grounds that one of the offence touches on Armed robbery. The presiding judge of High court, Oron was kidnapped in December,2023 and eventually transferred out of the division upon her release. The case started de Novo before his lordship, Hon. Justice Ezekiel Enang. The nominal complainant refused to come to court and the case suffered multiple adjournments at the instance of the prosecution who was unable to commence hearing/trial due to absence of witneses. The defence counsel made several applications for striking out which the court was reluctant to grant because of the nature of the allegation, but granted same on the 12/8/2024 wherein the case was dismissed and the defendants discharged and released from Uyo custodian centre. It was indeed a joyous moment for the defendants.
The defendants were represented by the LACoN Akwa Ibom State Office led by Barrister S. Adula.