Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Uyo has revoked the bail granted to one of the defendants on trial over the alleged esxual abuse of a 13-year-old boy.
The ruling delivered in Suit No. HU/41/2025 by Justice Okon Okon, LEADERSHIP Friday gathered, was sequel to the withdrawal of the defence counsel, Barr. Ifayi Ejika, who cited inconsistencies in his client’s appearance in court as the reason for stepping down from the case.
The defendant, David Udoh James, is one of seven men facing prosecution in connection with the alleged sexual assault on a Junior Secondary School (JSS) student (name withheld) from Etoi community in Uyo local government area of Akwa Ibom State.
The other defendants include Okwudili Levi Okeke (Eze Anambra); Idara Itam Daniel, Daniel Jacob Edet, Udofia Edem Udosen, David Bassey Bassey and Nsikak Emmanuel Ben.
In addition to revoking the bail, the court ordered the surety to produce the defendant in court on March 10, 2026, at the resume hearing of the matter.
The court further directed that the surety must appear alongside the defendant on that date, warning that “failure to produce the accused would attract legal consequences.”
The particulars of the case which gained prominence after allegations emerged that the minor was subjected to repeated sexual abuses for several years, stated that the victim was under constant threats by his abusers not to disclose the illicit affair to anyone including his parents.
According to the testimonies of the victim, he was initially lured by a night security guard attached to the Qua Iboe Church (QIC) School, Etoi, in Uyo LGA, and later introduced to other adult men who allegedly participated in the abuse amidst constant threats to prevent disclosure.
Our Correspondent learnt the alleged abuses came to light after the boy’s health condition deteriorated, prompting his parents to demand explanations. Medical examinations were subsequently conducted as part of the investigation process.
The victim’s mother had earlier appealed for assistance, citing financial challenges that initially hindered the family from pursuing the case, forcing concerned community stakeholders to call on the State government “to ensure justice for the minor, and to strengthen child protection mechanisms.”
However, following Police intervention, the suspects were arrested and charged to court.
With the revocation of the bail and the directive to the surety, the matter is expected to resume on March 10, 2026, as the court moves to ensure strict compliance with its orders and the continued prosecution of the case.
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