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By Our Reporter
The Association of Concerned Indigenes of Okoyong, ACION, a frontline socio-political group aimed at promoting the interest of Okoyong nation, have congratulated Chief Emmanuel Ekpenyong Etok over his recent victory at the court.
Mr. Etok was arrested by operatives of Nigeria secret service, the Department of State Security Service, DSS in 2021 and incarcerated for over two weeks over claims by Hon. Bobby Ekpenyong that bothered around criminal activities.
Hon. Bobby Ekpenyong had petitioned the DSS and the Nigerian Army, accusing Chief Etok of harboring criminals and encouraging kidnapping activities among other offences in Ekenge community in Okoyong, Odukpani LGA of Cross River State.
Chief Etok, a retired Central Bank branch Manager was then arrested, detained and tortured for several days by security agents.
“Although, the event leading up to the petition was known to have emanated from a traditional leadership tussle in Ekenge community, Hon. Bobby allegedly told security agents that, it was about kidnapping activities sponsored by Chief Etok” a source familiar with the story told our reporter.
But in a judgement deliver on Wednesday, by Prof . Victor Offiong, a presiding judge in Odukpani high court division, Hon. Bobby Ekpenyong with two others were mandated to pay N10million each to Chief Etok as damages for the violation of his fundamental human right, illegal arrest and detention among reasons. The trio were also directed by the court to render a public apology to Chief Etok.
In a letter of felicitation sent to Chief Emmanuel Etok, who is also a patron of the association. President of ACION, Pastor Effiong Ekpo said “your arrest, detention and torture by agents of the DSS was the handiwork of evil makers. And we are happy today that you have been justified”
According to pastor Ekpo, “Indeed, the judiciary have again proven to be the hope of the common man. The entire Okoyong nation wishes to express their gratitude to those courageous judges and respected members of the bench who preferred to stand on the right side of history, rather than dine with the devil”
