Thirty-three suspects have been arraigned before an Ebonyi State High Court sitting in Abakaliki over killings and arson linked to the crisis between the people of Amasiri in Afikpo Local Government Area and Okporojo village in Idima Edda community, Edda Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects were arraigned on Friday on a four-count charge bordering on murder and arson.
The defendants, who are all said to be indigenes of the Amasiri clan, include two traditional rulers, Geoffrey Onya and Idam Bassey, as well as Baron Anya, a former Coordinator of Amasiri Development Centre.
Others listed among the accused persons are Emmanuel Ngwoke, Samuel Eni, Eze Ekeocha, Chukwudi Nwachinemre, Chukwuemeka Ifesinachi, Emmanuel Ogbonnaya, Oko Julius, Eze Uchendu, Eburu Sunday, among others.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants killed Kalu Dick, Ifeoma Uduma, Anthony Ekumankama and Eze Orji Ndukwe at Okporojo, Oso Edda, in Edda Local Government Area on January 29, 2026.
The alleged offences are said to be punishable under Section 319(1) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 33, Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State, 2009.
When the four-count charge was read to them, all the defendants pleaded not guilty.
Counsel to the defendants, Chief Mudi Erhenede, thereafter made an oral application for bail on behalf of the two traditional rulers, Geoffrey Onya and Idam Bassey, as well as Baron Anya and two female defendants.
He urged the court to grant the five defendants bail pending the filing and hearing of the remaining applications, citing relevant provisions of the Criminal Justice Rules 2023.
Erhenede argued that the five defendants had been in custody for five months, adding that the police had recommended their release.
However, counsel to the government, Chinyere Anoke, who held brief for the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Ben Odo, opposed the oral bail application.
She argued that the accused persons were standing trial for murder, stressing that it was unusual for persons facing murder charges to be granted bail casually.
After listening to the parties, the trial judge, Justice Emmanuel Ogbunnefi, adjourned the matter to June 5 and June 17 to enable the defence counsel file a formal written bail application for the court’s consideration.
