Residents Seek Governor’s Intervention As Attorney General Withdraws Community Theft Prosecution
Ikot Usokong Community Petitions Governor Umo Eno Over Withdrawal of Alleged Transformer Theft Case
Residents Challenge Discontinuation of Criminal Prosecution
RESIDENTS of Ikot Usokong Community and the surrounding group of villages in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have appealed to Governor Umo Eno to intervene in the discontinuation of a criminal case involving the alleged theft of community-owned public assets, including an electricity transformer.
The appeal followed the decision of the Akwa Ibom State Attorney General to discontinue the prosecution by entering a nolle prosequi—a legal procedure through which the state formally withdraws criminal charges before judgment.
Addressing journalists in Eket, the community’s spokesperson, Mr. Christopher Friday Nyanah, expressed disappointment over the decision, arguing that the affected community was neither informed nor consulted before the prosecution was terminated.
Community Recounts Alleged Theft of Public Assets
According to Nyanah, the dispute dates back to 2024 when residents reportedly discovered that a 200KVA spare electricity transformer kept for future power expansion had disappeared.
He explained that the transformer had earlier been replaced with a new 500KVA unit and stored by the community for subsequent electricity projects.
Following the discovery, village heads reported the incident to the police and mandated him to coordinate efforts aimed at recovering the property and ensuring that those responsible were brought before the court.
He further alleged that police investigations uncovered the disappearance of additional community assets, including a 5.5KVA generating set and a brand-new motorcycle belonging to the community health centre.
Nyanah also claimed that infrastructure belonging to the Akwa Ibom Water Company, which he estimated to be worth more than ₦500 million, was vandalised within the community.
Allegations Against Individuals
The community spokesman alleged that police investigations linked one of the six village heads in the area to the alleged theft of the transformer.
He also claimed that a female health worker, whom he alleged identified herself in court records as being closely associated with Governor Umo Eno’s brother, Iniobong Bassey Eno, was implicated in the alleged removal of equipment belonging to the community health centre.
The allegations have not been determined by any court, and the individuals mentioned had not publicly responded at the time of filing this report.
Community Rejects Out-of-Court Settlement
Nyanah further alleged that efforts were made to resolve the dispute outside the courtroom through reconciliation facilitated by the governor’s brother.
According to him, the community rejected proposals that involved financial compensation alone, insisting that every allegedly stolen item should first be fully replaced before any settlement could be considered.
He maintained that the negotiations eventually collapsed, paving the way for the continuation of criminal proceedings until the Attorney General’s office discontinued the prosecution.
Spokesman Alleges Intimidation During Proceedings
The spokesman also narrated what he described as personal challenges encountered while coordinating the prosecution on behalf of the community.
He alleged that he was arrested over what he described as false defamation allegations and was later accused of attempted murder involving members of his extended family.
According to him, the allegations were intended to intimidate him and weaken the community’s pursuit of justice.
He stated that attempts to secure his remand in prison were unsuccessful and that the criminal proceedings relating to those allegations remain before the court.
These claims remain allegations and have not been independently verified.
Appeal for Governor’s Intervention
The community has now appealed directly to Governor Umo Eno to review the Attorney General’s decision and ensure that every allegation relating to the theft of community property is fully investigated through the judicial process.
Residents argued that the withdrawal of the prosecution appears inconsistent with the governor’s previous position that community leaders should be held accountable whenever public assets under their supervision are stolen or vandalised.
They urged the state government to demonstrate its commitment to transparency, accountability and equal application of the law.
Official Response Awaited
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Office of the Attorney General nor the individuals mentioned in the allegations had publicly responded.
Efforts to obtain official comments from the Attorney General’s office were unsuccessful before publication.
The allegations contained in the petition remain claims by members of the Ikot Usokong Community and have not been established by any court of competent jurisdiction.
