Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Five men were on Wednesday arraigned before an Abakaliki Magistrates’ Court over the alleged murder of one Udu Nnachi-Orji.
The suspects were also accused of armed robbery for allegedly stealing a truck valued at ₦39 million, property of Mr. Eni Uduma-Chima.
Uduma-Chima is the current Chairman of the Ebonyi State Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited Board and a former Chairman of Edda Local Government Area.
The suspects include: Amarachi Irem, 27: Oledi Philip-Nsi, 26; Ogbu Nkama, 22; Chibueze Nnachi, 36; and Okoro Stanley Onuu, 39.
Charges
The suspects are facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, murder, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms.
In addition, one of the accused persons, Oledi Philip-Nsi, was further charged with the attempted murder of Mr. Eni Uduma-Chima on June 1, 2025, at Ekoli-Edda.
Police Prosecutor, Eze Ndubuaku, told the court that the offences were committed on July 9 at Ndienworo village, Ekoli-Edda, in Ebonyi State.
Ndubuaku said the defendants conspired to commit murder, an offence punishable under Section 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap 33 Vol. 1 Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009.
“They also killed one Udu Nnachi-Orji, male, by shooting him with a gun which caused his death, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code, Cap 33 Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009.
“The suspects also robbed a truck valued at thirty-nine million naira (₦39,000,000), property of Eni Uduma-Chima,” he added.
Defence Counsel, Mr. Sunday Ajah, prayed the court to grant the suspects bail.
However, Magistrate Sandra Onyibe rejected the bail application, ruling that the court lacked jurisdiction to grant bail in the matter. She adjourned the case to October 2 for a report of compliance.
Reaction
Meanwhile, elders of the Ekoli-Edda community have applauded the Nigerian Police Force under the leadership of CP Adaku Uche-Anya for the professionalism displayed in the arrest, arraignment, and remand of the suspects in connection with the crisis in the area.
One of the elders, Etta Egor, praised the CP for resisting alleged political pressure from high quarters to ensure perpetrators of heinous crimes were brought to justice.
“We commend the CP and the investigating officers very highly for their professional conduct. Even though some suspects are still on the run, we have confidence they will all be apprehended. At least, peace and calm have returned to Ekoli since these arrests and prosecutions began,” he said.
