Ebonyi: Court arraigns 33 suspects over Okporojo massacare
Thirty-Three Arraigned in Ebonyi Communal Violence
ABAKALIKI, Nigeria — A total of 33 suspects were arraigned on Friday in connection with a violent dispute between the Amasiri community of Afikpo Local Government Area and their neighbors in Okporojo, Oso Edda, located in Edda Local Government Area, both in Ebonyi State.
The suspects appeared before a high court in Abakaliki, where they faced four counts of murder related to the deaths of four individuals during a January 29, 2026, incident in Okporojo. Those deceased include Kalu Dick, Ifeoma Oduko Uduma, Anthony Ekumankama, and Eze Orji Ndukwe. The charges are pursuant to Section 319(1) of the Criminal Code Law of Ebonyi State.
Among the suspects are notable figures from the Amasiri community, including traditional rulers Geoffrey Onya and Idam Bassey, as well as Baron Anya, the coordinator of the Amasiri Development Center. Other suspects include Emmanuel Ngwoke, Samuel Eni, Eze Ekeocha, Chukwudi Nwachinemre, Chukwuemeka Ifesinachi, Emmanuel Ogbonnaya, Oko Julius, and Eze Uchendu, Eburu Sunday.
Following the reading of the charges, all suspects pleaded not guilty. The defense counsel, Chief Mudi Erhenede, requested bail for the accused, citing their five months in custody and police recommendations for their release. However, Chinyere Anoke, representing the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Ben Odo, opposed the bail application, emphasizing the gravity of the murder charges.
Justice Emmanuel Ogbunnefi adjourned the case, scheduling further proceedings for June 5 and June 17 to allow the defense to submit a written bail application.
The longstanding conflict between Amasiri and Oso Edda stems from disputes over land. The situation intensified on January 29, 2026, when armed individuals invaded Okporojo, resulting in the beheading of the victims and the destruction of property worth millions of naira.
