Soroti pupil murder: Suspects back in court amid tight security

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Heavy police deployment has been observed at Soroti Court on Thursday ahead of the appearance of suspects in the murder of Joan Faith Apio, a former Primary One pupil at Jozan Nursery and Primary School.

Eight individuals charged with murder remain on remand in various prisons across Teso and Mbale following their arraignment last month. The latest suspect, Osula Adongo, a 34-year-old school matron, became the eighth person to be charged and was subsequently remanded to Mbale Prison.

Others who were early charged on February 19 include the police officer attached to crime intelligence East Division police in Soroti city, John Bosco Obotol, 34, Joseph Okedi the school director, Okedi’s wife Suzan Vivian Ariokot, 38, who served as the school co-director, James Edoket, 32, the school headmaster, Valentin Opio, 37, the school cook, and two minors that included the daughter of Okedi.

(Credit: Godfrey Ojore)

(Credit: Godfrey Ojore)

Presiding Grade One Magistrate Apollo Kasujja Kibirige had earlier ordered the accused to be remanded in separate prisons. However, today, March 6, all eight suspects will appear in the dock for the first time since their remand.

The suspects are accused of unlawfully and deliberately causing the death of Joan Faith Apio on February 5, 2025, at Jozan Nursery and Primary School in Soroti city’s East Division. The young girl’s throat was reportedly slit with a knife.

State attorney Emmanuel Bamesigye informed the court that investigations into the case are still ongoing.

The victim’s parents, Angel Akol, a midwife at Toroma Health Centre III in Katakwi District, and John Olupot, are present in court.

Also in attendance is Soroti City Woman MP Joan Alobo, who greeted Apio’s mother and urged her to remain calm.