Lecturer Arraigned For Announcing False Election Results In Akwa Ibom

A lecturer at University of Uyo, Professor Ignatius Uduk was arraigned before an Akwa Ibom State High Court, on Thursday, January 20, on grounds of electoral fraud.

It was gathered that the Professor, who was engaged by the Independent and National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a Collation/Returning Officer for the Essien Udim State Constituency in March 2019 governorship and house of assembly elections in Akwa Ibom State, is facing three counts bordering on publishing and announcing false electoral results.

Uduk was charged alongside one Professor Peter Ogban, who has already been convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment. Professor Uduk’s case has however suffered repeated adjournments due to a change of the trial judge.

The accused pleaded not guilty to all three charges that were read to him.

The prosecuting counsel then called his first witness, a staff of INEC, who was also cross-examined by the defense counsel.

The trial judge, Justice Bassey Nkanang thereafter adjourned the case to January 25 for the continuation of cross-examination.