Five men were on Wednesday arraigned before a Magistrates’ Court in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, over their alleged involvement in murder, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms.
The defendants — identified as Amarachi Irem (27), Oledi Philip-Nsi (26), Ogbu Nkama (22), Chibueze Nnachi (36), and Okoro Stanley Onuu (39) — are facing four counts bordering on conspiracy, murder, armed robbery, and illegal possession of weapons.
The case also involves a separate charge against Oledi Philip-Nsi, who is accused of attempting to murder Hon. Eni Uduma-Chima on June 1, 2025, at Ekoli-Edda in Ebonyi State. Dr. Uduma-Chima currently serves as Chairman of the Ebonyi State Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited Board.
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According to Nigerian Tribune, Police Prosecutor Eze Ndubuaku told the court that the offenses were committed on July 9, 2025, at Ndienworo village, in the Ekoli-Edda local government area. He explained that the suspects conspired to commit murder, an act punishable under Section 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap 33 Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009.
“They also did kill one Udu Nnachi-Orji, ‘m’ by shooting him with gun which caused his death and thereby committed 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 only (₦39,000,000.00), property of Eni Uduma Chima,” Ndubuaku told the court.
Counsel to the defendants, Mr. Sunday Ajah, prayed the court to grant bail to the accused persons. However, Chief Magistrate Sandra Onyibe rejected the application, stating that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain bail on such serious charges. She adjourned the matter to October 2, 2025, for a report of compliance.
Meanwhile, elders of Ekoli-Edda community have commended the Nigerian Police Force, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Adaku Uche-Anya, for what they described as professionalism in handling the crisis and ensuring the arrest and arraignment of the suspects.
Speaking to Journalists, community elder Chief Etta Egor praised the Commissioner for allegedly resisting political pressure from high-ranking quarters in order to ensure justice was served.
“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 that they will all be apprehended. At least peace and calm have returned to Ekoli since these arrests and prosecutions began,” Chief Egor said.
