Court remands six over alleged murder of Ebonyi traditional ruler

By Jeff Agbodo, Abakaliki

A Magistrate Court sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, has remanded six persons in a correctional facility over the alleged murder of a traditional ruler, HRH Eze Josephat Ikegwu.

The defendants — Ucha Johnson, Ogobuchi Igwe, Nkpuma Nwankwo, Edwin Onwoshi, Itumo Joseph, and Emmanuel Nwaba — were arraigned on multiple charges bordering on conspiracy, murder, cultism, and unlawful possession of firearms.

According to the prosecution, the accused persons allegedly conspired on April 1, 2026, at Ishinkwo in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State to commit murder, contrary to Section 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap 33, Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State, 2009.

The prosecution further alleged that the suspects unlawfully killed the traditional ruler by shooting him at his residence in the community.

Until his death, the late monarch was the traditional ruler of Isinkwo Autonomous Community in Onicha Local Government Area. He was reportedly attacked and killed in his home by armed assailants.

The charge sheet also alleged that some of the defendants, alongside others still at large, were members of a secret cult identified as the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, also known as “Baggers,” contrary to Ebonyi State laws prohibiting cult activities and the possession of offensive weapons.

The accused persons were equally charged with unlawful possession of firearms, including an AK-47 rifle bearing breach number 1987-658, one AK-47 magazine, eight rounds of live AK-47 ammunition, a locally made revolver pistol, and one round of 3mm live ammunition.

The offences were said to contravene Section 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap R11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

After the charges were read, the Presiding Magistrate, Olughu Nnachi, declined jurisdiction in the matter.

The case was subsequently adjourned until June 10, 2026, while the defendants were ordered to remain in custody pending further proceedings.

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