By Charles Nwoke
A Magistrate Court in Enugu has arraigned Professor Uchenna Ezemagu of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI), over false allegations that led to the suspension of a traditional ruler in Enugu State.
The case, registered as Charge No: MEN/100C/2025, is being heard at the Enugu North Magistrates’ Court under His Worship O. S. Chukwuani.
The 50-year-old professor faces a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and providing false information to the police. He was arraigned alongside three others, Sunday Ezemagu, Ugbor Ifeanyi, and Ezemagu Chima, who remain at large.
According to court documents, the accused allegedly conspired on September 20, 2021, at the Police Force Headquarters Annex in Enugu to frame HRH Igwe Christopher Okwor and others with serious criminal offenses. The charges included cultism, burglary, and attempted murder.
The claims prompted a police investigation and led to the Enugu State Government suspending Igwe Okwor, traditional ruler of Ihekwuenu community in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area.
Count two of the charge states that the accused acted “with intent to mislead the authorities,” causing arrests and damaging the monarch’s reputation.
Professor Ezemagu pleaded not guilty. The court granted him bail in the sum of N10 million, with a surety required to be a permanent secretary or equivalent. The case was adjourned to May 14, 2025, for hearing.
Speaking to reporters after the court session, the monarch’s legal counsel, Barrister Jerry Iheanacho, called the arraignment a major step toward justice.
“Our client has been vindicated,” he said. “He was accused of demolishing a house built for a blind man and labelled a kidnapper and armed robber. The police found these claims to be false.”
Iheanacho urged the government to reinstate Igwe Okwor, citing the outcome as a clear confirmation of his innocence.
Igwe Okwor also welcomed the development. He recounted how police officers stormed his home late at night and flew him to Abuja in slippers and shorts.
“My son was later arrested for buying a car they claimed was stolen. Uchenna was invited to defend his claims but never showed up,” the monarch said. “Now, justice is being served.”
Sources close to the investigation revealed that Professor Ezemagu evaded arrest for months despite repeated invitations from the police. Authorities moved in after securing sufficient evidence.
The case continues to generate attention across Enugu State as calls grow for the monarch’s reinstatement.
