The Commission of Inquiry into the Collapse of Reigners Bible Church building in Uyo has ordered Commissioner of Police in the state to release the architect, Mr Anietie Augustine, from custody.
The chairman of the commission, retired Justice Umoekoyo Essang, gave the order after listening to Mr Ini Ekpo, counsel to founder of the Reigners Bible Church, Apostle Akan Weeks.
Ekpo said that relevant architectural design, building plan, and the survey plan were with Augustine held in the police custody.
He said that except Augustine was released to give evidence before the commission, it would be difficult to move forward in the case.
He said they had done everything within their power to secure Augustine’s release from the police detention without any success.
Counsel to Augustine, Mr Ekanem Ekanem, said the release of his client was long overdue.
Ekanem said they had tried to secure his release without success since Dec. 10, 2016, when Augustine was detained,
He said Augustine’d release would bring to light all hidden facts about the collapsed structure.
He said his client was not the one who designed any of the aspects of the collapsed church building.
“I asked him what his role was and he said that he merely volunteered as a worshiper in that church to check the work.
“He told me that he only joined the workforce as a member and a worshipper in that church.
“Why do we now leave the people who designed the building and now concentrate on the people that merely assisted?
“It is like leaving the substance to pursue the shadow.”
The commission adjourned sitting to Friday, Jan. 6 for further hearing. (NAN)