Defence drops all witnesses in Soroti nursery pupil murder trial

What the report says

The defence team in the Soroti High Court murder trial of six people accused over the death of six-year-old Joan Faith Apio has dropped plans to call witnesses. According to The Observer, the accused said they were concerned that potential witnesses feared backlash that could affect their safety and jobs, and would instead rely on CCTV footage and other documentary material.

The accused include school directors Joseph Okedi and Suzan Vivian Ariokot Okedi, headteacher James Edoket, school cook Valentine Opio, school matron Osula Adong and police officer John Bosco Obotol. They all deny the charge in connection with Apio, who was found dead in a school latrine on February 5, 2025. The court had previously found there was enough evidence for the case to proceed to defence.

The defence told Justice Boniface Wamala it would focus on footage from Pride Bank, Soroti Regional Referral Hospital and Ariokot’s business premises in Soroti City. Counsel said the materials could support Ariokot’s alibi and challenge prosecution evidence, including testimony that Apio was taken to hospital after an alleged accident claim. The judge granted what he called a final adjournment and directed the defence to be ready to present its remaining evidence when the trial resumes on Monday, August 10, 2026.