The High Court of Justice in Uyo has discharged and acquitted a defendant facing two-count charges of conspiracy and rape in case number HU/24C/2024.
Presiding over the case, the judge ruled that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove the allegations.
On the first count, the court held that the state did not establish the charge of conspiracy against the defendant. Similarly, on the second count, the court found that the prosecution could not prove the rape allegation.
Consequently, the case was dismissed, and the defendant was discharged and acquitted.
Lead defense counsel, Philip Eseme, expressed satisfaction with the verdict, describing it as a fitting conclusion to the legal year. He extended gratitude to his senior colleague, G. Umoh, who headed the defense team, as well as Linus Utuk and Anwangabasi Umana for their contributions.
Eseme also acknowledged Imo E. Akpan for involving him in the case, emphasizing the importance of rigorous defense in rape trials.
With the case resolved, Eseme noted his readiness for a break, marking the end of a hard-fought legal battle.
This ruling underscores the necessity for thorough evidence in criminal prosecutions, particularly in sensitive cases such as rape allegations.
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