For the second consecutive time, the Cross River State High Court has ordered the Nigerian Police to arrest and produce a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Joseph Mbu, for prosecution.

The court specifically ordered Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba to produce Mbu at its next sitting on January 9, 2023, over a murder case hanging on his neck.

Justice Ukpai Ibitam issued a fresh warrant of arrest on the defendant before adjourning the case till January 9, 2023.

The judge directed the Nigerian Police to ensure the retired police officer is available in court on that day, unfailingly.

The state government, earlier this year, arraigned the former AIG over the alleged murder of Ayuk Etta Ngon at Bendeghe-Ekiem, Etung local government area of the state on December 24, 2018.

A charge sheet on the suit reads: “Mbu Joseph Mbu, on December 24, 2018, on Ndung Stream Road, Bendeghe Ekiem, Etung, killed Ayuk Etta Ngon, contrary to Section 319 (1) of the Criminal Code, Cap C16, Vol. 3 Laws of Cross River State of Nigeria 2004.”

The ex-AIG had not been in court in person since the commencement of the case, but had always been represented by his counsel, despite the court reportedly ordering his presence.

The court earlier issued a warrant of arrest on him on November 2, 2022, and adjourned the case to December 6, 2022 for the police to produce its former officer, but they again failed to do so. (The Nation: Text, excluding headline)

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