Akwa Ibom State vs Nsibiet John: Case returns 7th March

Akwa Ibom State vs Nsibiet John: Case returns 7th March

The case between theAkwa Ibom State Government and editor of THE INK newspaper Nsibiet John will resume for continuation of trials (Trial within trial) on Wednesday 7th March, 2018.

At the last adjourned date about three weeks ago, the trial Magistrate, Chief Magistrate Martins Johnny had while entertaining requests from both prosecuting counsel led by Barr Godwin Udom and defense counsel led by Ekemini Udim agreed to hear both parties again on Wednesday 7th march.

Editor of THE INK newspaper Nsibiet John is standing trial on some count charges of criminal libel and defamation of the Deputy Governor MR.MOSES EKPO.

John who early last year, 2017 had pleaded not guilty to the charges has for the past one year been a regular guest of the Chief magistrate court two which was earlier presided over by Emmanuel Archibong before Martins Johnny took over.

The editor was arrested on 5th of January, 2017, manhandled and thrown into the police cell at the Police Force Headquarters in Ikot Akpanabia, near Uyo.

After much pressures, agitation and more he was charged to court on the 6th of January, 2017.

In the process of hearing the case, the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor Pastor Ekikere Umoh and the permanent secretary of the Deputy Governor‘s office Nkopuruk Ekaiko had in their oral testimony during cross examination by the Defense counsel exonerated THE INK man from the publication.

The duo had admitted that the story which admits that Mr. Moses Ekpo allegedly pockets 250m naira as security vote was not authored by Nsibiet John.

The police who introduced himself as the Investigating Police Officer of the matter was in the witness box to testify against THE INK Editor.

Defense counsel had however objected to the court admitting Mr. John’s statement to the police as exhibit. The presiding Magistrate Martins Johnny however ruled that the matter relaxes into trial within trial.