5th April, 2011
Security was beefed up at Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital this morning following the arrival of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, governorship candidate, Senator James Akpanudoedehe to the state for trial.
About 47 pickup vans loaded with armed policemen escorted Senator Akpanudoedehe from the Uyo airport to the Ikot Akpanadia police headquarters where he is presently being held pending his arraignment.
It was learnt that the ACN governorship candidate may be arraigned at the magistrate’s court at Akpan Akpan Udo Street, Uyo.
As at press time, he had not been docked. It was also speculated that he might be arraigned in another court later today or tomorrow.
Meanwhile, all persons entering the court room including journalists and lawyers were thoroughly screened by anti-bomb police detectives.
Senator Akpanudoedehe was rearrested last week within the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja after he was granted bail.
His travails began after a violent clash between supporters of ACN and those of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Uyo.
The clash resulted in the burning of over 800 new vehicles worth about N2 billion and the death of at least four persons.
Several ACN supporters in the state were arrested in connection with the mayhem.
—Emma Una /Uyo