Alleged Electoral Fraud: Ex-NYSC Boss’s Trial Stalled in A’Ibom

Attempt by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to arraign Maj. Gen. EdetAkpan (rtd) before a court has been put on hold following a three-day, no-court session by the Akwa Ibom State Judiciary.

Akpan, a former Director- General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) was brought to the Uyo Chief Magistrate by men of Directorate of State Services.

INEC’s inability to arraign Akpan was due to the on-going Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Multi-Door Court function, which is holding simultaneously in the three senatorial districts of the state.

Speaking with newsmen, INEC Legal Officer, in Uyo, Mr.Eze Emmanuel, said that Akpan would be arraigned as soon as the court resumed from the three-day, ADR multi door, court function.

Akpan was arrested in his home town, in NsitAttai Local Government Area, during the April 11 Governorship/ House of Assembly elections for allegedly snatching ballot boxes and other electoral materials from INEC officials.

He was also alleged to have abducted 10 Corps members and made them thumb print and fill result sheets in favour of a political party before men of DSS trailed and arrested him in his house.

Meanwhile, Akpan had been taken back to the DSS custody in Uyo.