Soroti infant murder suspects begin their defence
Ariokot's own daughter accused her of taking part in the killing of Apio, making her a prime suspect in the murder case, according to police. Prosecution alleges that on February 5, 2025, at Jozan Nursery and Primary School in Soroti City East Division, the accused persons, with malice aforethought, unlawfully caused the death of the five-year-old girl.
(L-R) Ariokot, her husband Okedi, together with Edoket and police officer Obotol, in the dock before the High Court in Soroti today (August 4). (Credit: Godfrey Ojore)
SOROTI - Vivian Suzan Ariokot, the wife of former Jozan Nursery and Primary School director Joseph Okedi, has lined up two witnesses to testify in her defence in the murder trial of five-year-old Joan Faith Apio, who was a pupil at their school.
Ariokot's own daughter accused her of taking part in the killing of Apio, making her a prime suspect in the murder case, according to police.
Ariokot and her husband are jointly charged with the murder of Apio, and their defence begins tomorrow (August 5). The two are part of the six people charged with her murder.
The others are: school headmaster James Edoket; police detective John Bosco Obotol, who is also Okedi's brother; school cook Valentine Opio; and the school matron, Osula Adong. All the accused have denied the charges.
The murdered Joan Faith Apio (RIP)
The accused persons' plans were disclosed after the High Court in Soroti today (August 4) ruled that all six have a case to answer.
Court heard that Okedi intends to call one witness and is also expected to rely on Closed Circuit Television footage as part of his defence.
Detective Corporal Obotol, another accused person, told court that he will call four witnesses, while the school's headteacher, Edoket, will present one witness.
Suzan Vivian Ariokot, the wife of Joseph Okedi, was accused of killing the child using a cutter knife. (Credit: Godfrey Ojore)
The presiding judge, Boniface Wamala, has scheduled Wednesday (August 5) for the hearing of the defence case, while the defence witnesses are expected to testify on Thursday (August 6).
All the six accused persons informed court that they would testify on oath.
Prosecution alleges that on February 5, 2025, at Jozan Nursery and Primary School in Soroti City East Division, the accused persons, with malice aforethought, unlawfully caused the death of the five-year-old girl.
Counsel Magomu Muminu represents Detective Corporal Obotol, while Francis Ajum and Joseph Odong represent the other five accused persons.