Twelve travellers charged with the murder of a female police Inspector, Christiana Erekere, have been acquitted and discharged.
The late Inspector Erekere was attached to the Taaba Police Division in Khana Local Government Area of the state when the incident occurred.
The 12 travellers encountered the deceased during a stop and search operation near the Taaba Police on their way to Akwa Ibom for a traditional marriage.
They were accused of beating her to death following alleged fight that ensued between them.
The incident happened in April 24, 2024, and consequently the accused persons stood trial for conspiracy and murder.
The trial came to an end on Monday, as the Judge, Justice Augusta Chukwu, held that the prosecution failed to prove the case of conspiracy and murder against the accused persons,
Justice Chukwu ruled that the prosecution witnesses and evidence tendered by the counsel did not show the accused persons’ connection to the murder and therefore discharged and acquitted them.
The trial judge also awarded N1m each in favour of the 12 discharged individuals as compensation for their unlawful arrest and detention.
