An Abakaliki Magistrates’ Court has ordered the remand of five suspects accused of armed robbery and the brutal murder of a young man in Ekoli-Edda, Ebonyi State, in a case that has shaken the community and drawn high-level attention.
The accused, identified as 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, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms. Prosecutors allege that on July 9, the group conspired to kill Udu Nnachi-Orji, who was shot dead during a violent attack in Ndienworo village, Ekoli-Edda.
Police further told the court that the men stole a truck worth ₦39 million belonging to Dr. Eni Uduma-Chima, Chairman of the Ebonyi State Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited. One of the defendants, Oledi Philip-Nsi, faces an additional charge of attempted murder of Hon. Uduma-Chima, said to have occurred on June 1, 2025, in the same community.
Police Prosecutor Eze Ndubuaku described the offences as punishable under sections 324 and 319 of the Criminal Code Cap 33 Vol. 1 Laws of Ebonyi State 2009. Defence counsel Sunday Ajah had applied for bail, but Chief Magistrate Sandra Onyibe dismissed the application, ruling that the court had no jurisdiction to grant bail in the matter. The case was adjourned to October 2 for compliance reports.
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The arrests have sparked a wave of reactions in Ekoli-Edda. Community elders hailed the swift action of Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, CP Adaku Uche-Anya, and her team, praising their professionalism in resisting political pressure while ensuring justice is pursued.
Chief Etta Egor, a respected community leader, told journalists that the clampdown on violent actors has restored a measure of peace. “We commend the CP and her officers for standing firm. Even though some suspects remain at large, we are confident they will be brought to justice. For now, calm has returned to Ekoli since these arrests and prosecutions began,” he said.
The high-profile case has drawn attention not only because of the involvement of a top state official but also due to the growing concern over violent crimes in Ebonyi communities. With the trial set to resume in October, residents are watching closely to see if justice will be fully served in a matter that has already left deep scars on Ekoli-Edda.
