An Ebonyi State High Court sitting in Abakaliki has ordered the remand of 33 suspects accused of involvement in the deadly attack on residents of Okporojo community in Oso Edda, Edda Local Government Area.
The defendants, all indigenes of Amasiri in Afikpo Local Government Area, were arraigned before Justice Emmanuel Ogbunnefi on Friday on four counts related to alleged murder arising from the long-running communal dispute between Amasiri and Okporojo communities.
The conflict, rooted in an age-old land ownership disagreement, has reportedly led to numerous deaths and the destruction of properties valued at billions of naira over the years.
According to court records, tensions escalated on January 29, 2026, when armed assailants allegedly invaded Okporojo community, killing four residents, including an elderly woman. Several homes and other valuable properties were also reportedly destroyed during the attack.
Among those standing trial are traditional rulers Geoffrey Onya and Idam Bassey, alongside the Coordinator of Amasiri Development Centre, Baron Anya. Other defendants include Emmanuel Ngwoke, Samuel Eni, Eze Ekeocha, Chukwudi Nwachinemre, Chukwuemeka Ifesinachi, Emmanuel Ogbonnaya, Oko Julius, Eze Uchendu, and Eburu Sunday, among others.
The prosecution alleged that the accused persons were responsible for the deaths of Kalu Dick, Ifeoma Oduko Uduma, Anthony Ekumankama, and Eze Orji Ndukwe during the January attack. The charges were brought under Section 319(1) of the Criminal Code Law of Ebonyi State 2009, which prescribes punishment for murder.
All 33 defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read before the court.
Defence counsel, Chief Mudi Erhenede, made an oral application seeking bail for five of the defendants, including the two traditional rulers, Baron Anya, and two female suspects. He argued that the accused had spent about five months in custody and cited provisions of the Ebonyi State Criminal Justice Rules
However, counsel representing the Ebonyi State Government, Chinyere Anoke, opposed the request. Acting on behalf of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Ben Odo, she maintained that the defendants were facing serious murder charges and should not be granted bail at this stage of the proceedings.
Justice Ogbunnefi subsequently adjourned the matter to June 5 and June 17, 2026, directing the defence team to file a formal written application for bail. The accused persons were remanded pending further hearing.
Stay updated with Ebonyi News Network for real-time reports, in-depth analysis, and exclusive coverage of policies shaping Ebonyi State.
