mmission of inquiry into the Reigners’ Bible Church tragedy in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, has ordered the release of the architect that has been in police custody since the incident took place.
The chairman of the commission, Umoekoyo Essang, gave the order saying the architect, Anietie Augustine, should be released after listening to Ini Ekpo, counsel to founder of the church, Akan Weeks, and adjourned hearing on the matter to Friday, January 6.
Ekpo said all the relevant documents including architectural design, building and survey plans were with the architect who had been held in police custody since the incident.
According to Ekpo, except Augustine is released to give evidence, it will be difficult for the case to go ahead.
He said everything had been done to secure Augustine’s release from the police detention but without any success.
Counsel to Augustine, Ekanem Ekanem, said the action for his client’s release had been long overdue, saying they had tried their best since December 10, 2016 when Augustine was detained, but the police had always proved stubborn and adamant.
Augustine’s release will bring to light many things that were not open, things that were hidden, Ekanem said, noting that his client was being detained “for being the one to design the structure,” although he knew that his client did not design any of the aspects of the collapsed church building.
He said when they went to the police, they were told that those in custody in respect of the incident were there on the instruction of the state government, that they did not have the power to release them.
He said the next time they went to the police, they were told that the people were held on the order of the owner of the church, unless the church’s owner asked them (the police) to release the people before they could do so.
He added that for the purpose of testifying before the commission, “it does not matter, for whatever purpose, so long as his client release has been ordered, he is grateful.
“Augustine merely volunteered to carry out the design which was already made by people that he has named; somebody designed the roof, somebody designed the structure, so he merely came to supervise what was already planned, drawn and designed.
“I met him on two occasions while in detention and he gave me what I’m just telling you now. I asked him what was his role; he said nothing, that he merely volunteered as he worships in that church to check the work. He told me that he only joined the workforce as a member and worshiper of that church.
“Why do we now leave the people who designed the building and mapped out everything to now concentrate on the people that only assisted the church? It is like leaving the substance to pursue the shadow.”
