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3 weeks ago
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ARTICLE AD BOX
By Jeff Agbodo, Abakaliki
A Magistrate Court in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, has remanded six individuals to a correctional facility following allegations that they were involved in the murder of traditional ruler HRH Eze Josephat Ikegwu.
The defendants—Ucha Johnson, Ogobuchi Igwe, Nkpuma Nwankwo, Edwin Onwoshi, Itumo Joseph, and Emmanuel Nwaba—were charged with conspiracy, murder, cultism, and unlawful possession of firearms.
Prosecutors claim the accused conspired on 1 April 2026 in Ishinkwo, Onicha Local Government Area, to commit the murder, in violation of Section 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap 33, Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State, 2009.
The prosecution further alleges that the suspects unlawfully killed the traditional ruler by shooting him at his residence in the community.
Until his death, the late monarch served as the traditional ruler of Isinkwo Autonomous Community in Onicha Local Government Area. He was reportedly attacked and killed in his home by armed assailants.
The charge sheet also states that some of the defendants, along with others still at large, were members of a secret cult known as the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, or “Baggers,” in breach of Ebonyi State laws that prohibit cult activities and the possession of offensive weapons.
All accused were charged with unlawful possession of firearms, including an AK‑47 rifle (breach number 1987‑658), one AK‑47 magazine, eight rounds of live AK‑47 ammunition, a locally made revolver pistol, and one round of 3 mm live ammunition.
These offences contravene Section 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap R11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
After the charges were read, the presiding magistrate, Olughu Nnachi, declined jurisdiction over the case.
The matter was adjourned to 10 June 2026, with the defendants ordered to remain in custody pending further proceedings.
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