Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The traditional ruler of Igga community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, Igwe Herbert Ukuta, and a former councillor of Igga ward have been remanded in prison by a Magistrate Court for alleged murder, and being members of a terrorist group.
Ukuta, who had been in detention for one month and two days at the state criminal investigation department, and four others were arraigned by the Enugu State Police Command on a 10-count charge before an Enugu North Magistrate Court 1.
In the Charge No. MEN/320c/2024, between the Commissioner of Police (Kanayo Uzuegbu) and Igwe Herbert Ukuta (62); Festus Okonkwo (62); Ofadile Titus Henry (39); Sunday Ugwu (26) and Obinna Ayogu (54), the community leaders were accused of conspiracy, being members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and its security wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN); murder of five persons, including two policemen; and being a member of a terrorist group.
The police said the offences allegedly committed by the defendants are contrary to Section 26(1) and punishable under Section 25(3) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and Section 516(A) of the Criminal Code Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
The accused persons after listening to the charges bordering on murder, did not make any pleas, as the magistrate court did not have the jurisdiction to entertain the case as the charges were brought under the federal act.
All the accused were subsequently ordered to be remanded at Enugu Maximum Correctional Centre pending further hearings.
It would be recalled that there was reported killing of some policemen and Neighborhood Watch members at Igga community which prompted police and some other security agents to storm the community shooting and destroying properties.
