The case, which was ‘The State vs Akaninyene,’ was mentioned in Magistrate Court 10 where the suspects were taken to, and adjourned to August 12, 2026
By Our Reporter
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Published on August 2, 2026
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4 min read
Akaninyene Ignatius Eshiet, arrested and detained for allegedly killing Mr Okon Bassey Okon Nsa of Ukim Ita and Mr Okokon Akpan Eshiet of Akai Ibonda, all in Odukpani local government area of Cross River state, has been arraigned in a Magistrate Court for murder and remanded.
The case, which was ‘The State vs Akaninyene,’ was mentioned in Magistrate Court 10 where the suspects were taken to, and adjourned to August 12, 2026 for proper arraignment in the High Court.
Our reporter, who was on ground to monitor proceedings, said whereas the prime suspect, Akaninyene Eshiet was remanded in Afokang Correctional Centre, his brother, the fair-complexion Nkereuwem, who the Police also brought with him to court, was not arraigned. He was returned to the Police detention facilities for reasons which were not made public by the authorities.
Meanwhile, Chiefs and residents of the area have cried out over the release of Uduak Essien, an alleged accomplice and girlfriend of Akaninyene Ignatius, saying their lives were at risk.
Investigations indicated that the release of Uduak had sparked concern among residents who argue that investigators may have acted prematurely in releasing her while the circumstances surrounding the killings remain unclear.
Speaking, Chief Samuel Ekpe Ita, village head of Ukim Ita community, said “With the release of the suspect’s girlfriend who Akaninyene said assisted him in carrying out the dastardly act, our lives have been exposed to more brutality from those gangs of killers.
“Besides, the authorities should tell the world why Nkereuwem, who was caught red-handed with a gun in the crime scene that day, was not arraigned and remanded just like his brother was.
“About three weeks ago, the Police said Nkereuwem was not with them but today he was in handcuffs in court. What is actually happening?
“Moreover, critical information that could assist the investigation will be lost if every person believed to have had close contact with the principal suspect is not thoroughly investigated. The Police should provide greater clarity to reassure us that the investigation remains thorough and impartial.
“Our concern is not about condemning anybody. We simply want the investigation to be comprehensive so that everyone connected to this matter is properly questioned and innocent people are cleared through due process.”
Moreover, rumours were also ripe penultimate week that an ‘Alhaji’ had offered N15 million for the settling of the case on condition that the Police should hand over the prime suspect to him. The Police described this as untrue.
The Police also defended its action in releasing Uduak Essien, explaining that investigations did not establish any basis for her continued detention.
Speaking with our reporter, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpa, said the principal suspect categorically exonerated Miss Essien during interrogation, insisting that she had no knowledge of or involvement in the alleged crimes.
According to the police spokesperson, investigators found no evidence directly linking her to the offences under investigation, making her continued detention unjustifiable under the law.
His words: “The suspect’s alleged girlfriend, Uduak Essien, who was initially arrested alongside the principal suspect, Akaninyene, on suspicion of conspiracy in the alleged murder, has since been released.
“Following a thorough investigation, the findings and the confessional statement of the principal suspect exonerated her from the earlier allegations. Consequently, she was released.”
He also denied reports that an Alhaji was offering N15 million to kill the case, adding “The Command is not aware of the allegation being circulated. The matter is being handled in accordance with the law.”
Despite the explanation, some residents said they hope investigators will continue to pursue every available lead to ensure that all those connected with the case are properly screened and that justice is served for the victims and their families.
Some of those who spoke to our reporter appealed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Gov Bassey Otu’s administration and other relevant authorities to ensure that the investigation is pursued to its logical conclusion and that anyone found culpable is punished in accordance with the law.
