The Cross River State Ministry of Justice has addressed widespread social media reports alleging a lack of progress in the prosecution of Charge No. HM/9C/2022 – Inspector General of Police v. Uchenna Peter Chinweikpe and Valentine Alloysious (aka My Father My Father), who are accused of murdering the late Princewill Igbunaju Ikenna on September 3, 2022.
According to a statement issued by Anthony Okon Effiom, Esq., Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, the Attorney-General of Cross River State immediately initiated an inquiry following a complaint by a sibling of the deceased. The Ministry’s findings are as follows:
1. The case was filed by the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 6, in October 2022 at the Ikom Division of the Cross River State High Court and prosecuted by a police prosecutor.
2. Between October 2022 and January 31, 2023, the prosecution called three witnesses before the matter was adjourned to February 21, 2023, for continuation.
The date was later brought forward to February 7, 2023, but the police prosecutor, engaged in another case in Akwa Ibom, was unable to attend.
3. On February 7, 2023, the presiding judge, Hon. Justice Ashu Ewah, granted bail to the defendants on health grounds in the absence of the prosecutor.
Shortly after, Justice Ewah proceeded on a national assignment at the Election Petition Tribunal, leading to delays in the case’s progress.
4. Dissatisfied with the slow pace and the bail decision, the victim’s family petitioned the Chief Judge of Cross River State on March 22, 2024, seeking a reassignment of the case.
5. Following due consideration, the Chief Judge reassigned the case to Court 2, Ikom Division, on May 9, 2024. However, the Deputy Chief Registrar responsible for transmitting the case file failed to do so, a lapse discovered in September 2025.
The erring officer has been referred to the Judicial Service Commission for disciplinary action.
6. The case has now been reassigned to Court 2, and on October 13, 2025, the matter came up for re-arraignment. Although counsel was present, the first defendant, Uchenna Peter Chinweikpe, was absent, prompting an adjournment to October 21, 2025.
7. The Attorney-General of Cross River State has directed the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to take over the case from the police for effective prosecution and to restore public confidence.
8. The Ministry has also established communication with the victim’s family, represented by Mr. Ernest Onyeka Igbonaju, and has requested assistance from the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, in apprehending three additional suspects, Elvis Ntui, Pastor Effiong, and one Barry, who remain at large.
The Ministry expressed sympathy to the family of the late Princewill Igbunaju Ikenna and assured the public that the case will be diligently prosecuted to ensure that justice is served.
Signed:
Anthony Okon Effiom, Esq.
Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary
Cross River State Ministry of Justice
