An Ebonyi State High Court in Abakaliki, presided over by Justice Emmanuel Ogbunnefi, has ordered the remand of 33 indigenes of Amasiri in Afikpo Local Government Area over their alleged involvement in the killing of residents of Okporojo community in Oso Edda, Edda Local Government Area. The suspects were arraigned on Friday on a four-count charge of murder, stemming from a prolonged communal conflict between Amasiri and Okporojo over a land dispute that has claimed numerous lives and destroyed property worth billions of naira over the years.
Details of the Attack
According to sources, the crisis escalated on January 29, 2026, when suspected armed attackers allegedly invaded Okporojo community, beheading four individuals, including an elderly woman. Houses and properties worth millions of naira were also reportedly destroyed during the attack.
Suspects and Charges
Among the suspects arraigned are traditional rulers Geoffrey Onya and Idam Bassey, as well as Baron Anya, Coordinator of Amasiri Development Centre. Others include Emmanuel Ngwoke, Samuel Eni, Eze Ekeocha, Chukwudi Nwachinemre, Chukwuemeka Ifesinachi, Emmanuel Ogbonnaya, Oko Julius, Eze Uchendu, and Eburu Sunday, among others. The defendants are accused of killing Kalu Dick, Ifeoma Oduko Uduma, Anthony Ekumankama, and Eze Orji Ndukwe in Okporojo community on January 29, 2026, an offence punishable under Section 319(1) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 33, Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State, 2009.
Plea and Bail Application
When the charges were read to them, all 33 defendants pleaded not guilty. Counsel to the defendants, Chief Mudi Erhenede, made an oral application for bail for five of the accused persons, including the two traditional rulers, Baron Anya, and two women among the defendants. He urged the court to grant them bail based on their status and personalities, citing Order 7 of the Criminal Justice Rules 2023 and Order 7(3) Rule 2023 of Ebonyi State. Erhenede argued that the accused persons had remained in custody for five months and noted that the police had allegedly recommended their release.
Prosecution's Objection
However, counsel to the Ebonyi State Government, Chinyere Anoke, who represented the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Ben Odo, opposed the application. She argued that the defendants were facing murder charges, stressing that it was unusual for persons standing trial for murder to be granted bail.
Adjournment
Justice Ogbunnefi subsequently adjourned the matter to June 5 and June 17, 2026, to enable the defence counsel file a formal written application for bail.
