By Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
Five men were on Wednesday remanded in prison custody by an Abakaliki Magistrates’ Court over alleged murder, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms in Ekoli-Edda, Afikpo South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The suspects Amarachi Irem, 27; Oledi Philip-Nsi, 26; Ogbu Nkama, 22; Chibueze Nnachi, 36; and Okoro Stanley Onuu, 39 are facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, murder, robbery, and illegal arms possession.
They were accused of killing one Udu Nnachi-Orji by shooting him with a gun on July 9, 2025, at Ndienworo village, and of robbing a truck worth ₦39 million, property of Dr. Eni Uduma-Chima, Chairman of the Ebonyi State Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited Board.
One of the defendants, Oledi Philip-Nsi, faces an additional charge of attempted murder of Hon. Uduma-Chima on June 1, 2025.
Police prosecutor Eze Ndubuaku told the court that the offences contravened sections 324 and 319 of the Criminal Code, Cap 33, Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State, 2009.
However, defence counsel Sunday Ajah pleaded for bail, but Chief Magistrate Sandra Onyibe declined, ruling that the court lacked jurisdiction to grant such an application. The matter was adjourned to October 2 for report of compliance.
Meanwhile, elders of Ekoli-Edda community have commended Ebonyi State Police Commissioner, CP Adaku Uche-Anya, for what they described as professionalism and firmness in handling the crisis.
Community leader Chief Etta Egor said the CP resisted political pressure to ensure that suspects were prosecuted.
“We commend the CP and her team for their conduct. Though some suspects are still on the run, we are confident they will be arrested. At least peace has returned to Ekoli since these arrests and prosecutions began,” he noted.