The trial of Professor Ignatius Uduk of the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, who is standing trial over alleged electoral malpractice in 2019 stalled following his collapse in the court on Wednesday.
Professor Uduk, who served as Returning Officer for Essien Udim Local Government Area in the 2019 elections, collapsed in the dock while the prosecuting counsel, Clement Onwuenweunor was cross-examining his witness.
Prof Uduk, who, returned before Justice Bassey Nkanang of the State High Court with his lawyer, Abasiodiong Ekpenyong, opened his defence with a first witness, one Innocent Emile, who he identified as his nephew.
The incident caused a stir as the Prof was rushed out, causing the court to go on recess.
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According to reports, his wife and daughter moved him to a yet-to-be-disclosed location.
Some lawyers alerted the judiciary clinic to get a stretcher but before they returned, Prof’s daughter and wife had driven him out.
The judge on three occasions asked him to sit but he declined. His lawyer after the incident, also informed the judge he had also asked Prof to sit until he fell.
Following the development, the case has been repeatedly adjourned to Thursday for continuation.
INEC’s lawyer, Onwuenweunor, told newsmen that the incident will not affect the outcome of the case.
The defence counsel, Ekpenyong declined to speak with journalists.
