Accused university Professor, Ignatius Uduk demands new judge

Professor Ignatius Uduk of the department of Physical and Health Education, University of Uyo, standing trial on a three-count charge has asked the Akwa Ibom State Chief Judge to re-assign his trial to another court.

Uduk, who is the defendant in a case with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, said he has lost confidence in the State High Court 9 presided over by Justice Bassey Nkanang

In the March 9, 2019, gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections, the University professor served as the Collation/Returning Officer for Essien Udim State Constituency.

He’s facing three counts of electoral fraud, including proclaiming fraudulent election results, publishing false election results, and lying under oath.

The defense counsel was supposed to enter his defense on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, after months of back and forth, but the defense counsel notified the court that he had filed an appeal with the Court of Appeal against an earlier judgment of the Uyo High Court dismissing his no case submission.

The presiding judge, Justice Bassey Nkanang, claimed the defense counsel did not follow procedural process in telling the court of his appeal after hearing both the prosecution and defense counsel’s arguments. He told the defense attorney to begin presenting his case.

However, the defense attorney failed to back up his allegation and refused to engage with journalists.

The INEC would not be discouraged, according to the lead prosecuting lawyer, Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN).

“The effect of the event is that the case must begin over under a new presiding judge, who will be designated by the State Chief Judge,” he stated.