The Court of Appeal sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, sat over a legal tussle on May 30, 2025, PM News has learnt.
The court overturned the conviction of Dr. Nwaopara Adolphus Uche, a Consultant Psychiatrist, after he had spent eight years fighting the case. This decision ended a long legal struggle that began in the year 2018.
The court, led by Justice Monica Dongbam-Mensem and two other judges, declared that the previous court’s ruling o er the matter was wrong and unconstitutional.
They claimed the lower court did not give Dr. Nwaopara a fair chance to defend himself.
It would be recalled that the trial court had said he was given the proof of evidence by the prosecution, but the Appeal Court found no record to prove this. The refusal to provide him with this important information was a violation of his right to a fair hearing.
According to them, Dr. Nwaopara was not treated fairly, saying the prosecution did not prove he was guilty beyond doubt. On this premise the Court of Appeal canceled the earlier conviction and set him free.
The judge’s final ruling on the matter reads:
“Having resolved two of the major issues in the appeal, in favour of the appellant and against the respondent, I find merit in the appeal. It succeeds and is allowed. “The conviction and sentencing of the lower court by the appellant are hereby quashed. The judgment of the trial court delivered by Nsemeke Daniel J on 4th October 2023, is hereby set aside.
“The appellant is discharged and acquitted”. He said.
Dr. Nwaopara was represented by a strong legal team led by Dr. Edwin S.C. Obiorah SAN.
The court praised the doctor and his lawyers for patiently continuing with the appeal instead of making short-term legal challenges during the trial.
Dr. Nwaopara thanked God and the court for the decision. He said he had suffered many years of unfair treatment, online bullying, and false accusations by some angry colleagues. He was grateful to the judges who carefully looked at his case and showed the truth.
He also thanked his entire legal team, including the late Faye Dikkio SAN and other lawyers, as well as the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria and the good people of Akwa Ibom who supported him.
During his time as Medical Superintendent at Psychiatric Hospital Eket, Dr. Nwaopara worked hard to improve the hospital. He designed plans for a new hospital building, set up a medical lab, renovated many offices and wards, formed a finance committee, and helped pay unpaid workers.
He also helped bring donations of important medical equipment from Mobil Producing Nigeria, including beds, mattresses, and fans. Despite these efforts, some people tried to hurt his reputation with false stories.
Dr. Nwaopara hopes this court decision will help bring justice and allow him to continue serving the people of Akwa Ibom and improve mental health care.
Source; PM News
