Four individuals are currently facing trial before the Onitsha High Court Number 1 in Anambra State for their alleged involvement in the kidnap and murder of Igwe Oliver Nnaji, the traditional ruler of Ogwuaniocha community in Ogbaru Local Government Area.
The accused:
- Onyebuchi Ibenegbu
- Chinefu Collins Nwonawi
- Okwudili Ogana
- Emeka Udom
They were arraigned following the incident that occurred on November 15, 2021.
On that day, hoodlums reportedly invaded Igwe Nnaji’s palace, set it ablaze, destroyed four vehicles, and kidnapped the monarch, whose whereabouts remain unknown.
According to C.C. Madukife, Assistant Director at the Anambra State Ministry of Justice, the accused conspired to commit arson, kidnapping, and murder.
The charges, filed under case number 0/32C/2022, allege that the defendants, armed with guns, machetes, and other offensive weapons, unlawfully set fire to Igwe Nnaji’s dwelling, other buildings, and four cars.
These actions are said to contravene Sections 495(a), 315(1)(a), 474, 274(1), and 416 of the Criminal Code, Cap 36, Volume II, Revised Laws of Anambra State, 1991.
Initially, seven individuals were arraigned in connection with the crime. However, the court discharged three—Nduba Chibuzor, Ifi Silas Nwabuwa, and Osadebe Sunday—due to insufficient evidence.
Presiding Judge, Justice Nweze, noted that continuing to try these individuals without substantial proof would violate their fundamental human rights.
Reacting swiftly, the complainants, through their legal counsel, Chief Ikenna Egbuna, SAN, filed a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal in Awka, challenging the discharge.
The appellants argued that the lower court misdirected itself in law by upholding the defendants’ no-case submission.
The appeal highlights evidence presented by the first Prosecution Witness (PW1), Mrs. Ngozi Freda Nnaji, who testified that the discharged individuals were part of the group that invaded Igwe Nnaji’s palace.
“On the day of the incident, I saw the defendants who were later discharged by the court among those who invaded our house, set it ablaze, and abducted my husband,” she stated.
Further, the appeal references the testimony of the Investigating Police Officer (PW4) and the admission of key exhibits, including statements from the defendants and police investigation reports.
These documents reportedly confirm the involvement of the discharged defendants, detailing the recovery of weapons and charms used in the crime.
The statements reveal the defendants’ affiliations with the ‘Lion Squad,’ the group responsible for the crime.
According to the notice of appeal, “The police investigation report, exhibit P10, also showed that the respondents were involved in the commission of the crime.”
The trial of the remaining four accused individuals continues, with the next hearing scheduled for May 22, 2024.
