By James Alomu 

Soroti High Court has heard the high-profile murder case involving the death of Joan Faith Apio, a pupil at Jozan Nursery and Primary School, with all the adult suspects pleading not guilty to the charges before Justice Boniface Wamala.

The case resumed on Monday amid heightened public interest, as the prosecution presented its case against the accused persons linked to the death of the young pupil.

Those charged include James Edoket, the school's headmaster; Joseph Okedi, the school director; Suzan Vivian Ariokot, co-director and wife to Okedi; Osula Adongo, the school matron; Valentine Opio, the school cook; and John Bosco Obotol, a police officer attached to Soroti City and brother to Okedi.

During the proceedings, the court also considered the cases involving two minors who had initially been implicated in the matter. The minors admitted that they had prior knowledge about the murder. 

Justice Boniface Wamala reminded the court that children have a legal duty to report criminal acts whenever they become aware of them. He observed that although the minors failed to report the incident immediately, their actions were influenced by fear, particularly of their mothers.

The judge noted that the minors had already spent about one year and eight days on remand, adding that under the law, children cannot be detained beyond the prescribed legal period. He ruled that they had not wasted the court's time by cooperating with the proceedings and consequently discharged them.

Before releasing the minors, Justice Wamala urged them to seek forgiveness, learn from the experience, and return to school to continue with their education.

The case has attracted widespread public attention since the death of Joan Faith Apio, a twin and pupil at Jozan Nursery and Primary School. Her lifeless body was discovered on February 5, 2025, dumped in a pit latrine within the school premises in Soroti City's Eastern Division, triggering national outrage and widespread calls for justice.

The hearing against the remaining adult suspects is expected to continue At 2pm as the prosecution presents further evidence before the High Court.