Man standing trial for terrorist offences escapes from police custody in court premises

POLICE in Akwa Ibom State have revealed how a suspect standing trial for terrorism offences miraculously escaped from custody at a court premises in Uyo during the continuation of his trial.

In a first such case of its kind, the suspect, identified as Etiene Malachy Akpan, is said to have escaped in the court premises, according to police spokesperson Odiko MacDon. Although the police did not give details about the suspect’s escape, they said he was also standing trial for serial murder, kidnapping and armed robbery.

Also known as Anthony Malachy Akpan, the suspect, 34, hails from Atan Midim in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. He is dark in complexion and is 1.6 metres tall, according to the police.

Mr MacDon said: “He is wanted by the police in connection with series of armed robberies, kidnapping, murders and terrorism in Akwa Ibom State. The suspect who was on trial for the above offences escaped within the court premises when brought for the continuation of his trial.”

He added that Mr Akpan has been declared wanted by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command. Mr MacDon appealed to members of the public with useful information on the whereabouts of the suspect to contact the nearest police station or any security agency.