Court Cancels Bail For Suspected Gay, Orders Surety To Produce Accused

…as Defence counsel withdraws from the case

By Our Reporter

The Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Uyo has revoked the bail earlier granted to one of the defendants standing trial over the alleged rape of a 13-year-old boy.

The decision was handed down on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, in Suit No. HU/41c/2025 by Justice Okon Okon, following the repeated absence of one of the accused persons in court.

Defence counsel, Barr. Ifeanyi Idika had applied to withdraw from the case, citing difficulties arising from his client’s failure to appear consistently for proceedings. The court, however, declined the request and directed the counsel to make efforts to trace the defendant and ensure his attendance at subsequent hearings.

The defendant affected by the ruling, Mr. David Udoh James, is among seven men being prosecuted in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a Junior Secondary School student from Etoi community in Uyo Local Government Area.

The other defendants in the matter are Okwudili Levi Okeke, also known as Eze Anambra; Idara Itam Daniel; Daniel Jacob Edet; Udofia Edem Udosen; David Bassey Bassey and Nsikak Emmanuel Ben.

In addition to revoking the bail, the court ordered the surety to produce the defendant on March 10, 2026, the next adjourned date. The surety was also directed to appear in court alongside the accused, with a warning that failure to comply would attract legal consequences.

The case has continued to attract significant public interest across the state, with journalists closely monitoring proceedings. The matter gained public attention following allegations that the minor was subjected to repeated sexual abuse over a period of years. Reports indicate that the case came to light after the child’s health condition reportedly worsened, prompting further inquiry and medical examinations.

Following police investigations, the suspects were arrested and arraigned in court. With the revocation of bail and fresh directives issued by the court, proceedings are expected to resume on March 10, 2026.