By Charles Nwoke
An Abakaliki Chief Magistrate Court has ordered the remand of four men at the Abakaliki Correctional Centre for subjecting two widows and a man to a violent trial by ordeal in connection with the death of one Innocent Simon.
Chief Magistrate Mrs. Nnenna Ogodo gave the ruling following the arraignment of Egwuonwu Jonah, Sunday Obasi, Ogonnaya Eze (also known as Boss), and Godwin Nwokoro-Obi. Several others involved in the incident remain at large. The suspects face a 10-count charge, including conspiracy, attempted murder, grievous harm, armed robbery, and malicious damage.
According to charge sheet number MAB/181c/2025, the incident took place on February 21, 2025, at Mebi-Okpa Okposi in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The accused allegedly beat Nnenna Donatus Nwinyinya and Jonah Chuku with sticks, bottles, and machetes. They also paraded one of the victims half-naked around the community.
Prosecutors stated that the suspects forced the victims to drink water used to wash the corpse of Innocent Simon. The water was allegedly mixed with mucus from the corpse’s nose and native kola nut. This act was carried out to force a confession from the victims, whom the suspects had accused of being responsible for Simon’s death.
The court also heard that the suspects destroyed several properties belonging to the victims. Items destroyed included three houses, windows, doors, furniture, household items, a motorcycle, and cartons of beer. The value of the damage is yet to be determined.
The magistrate declined jurisdiction over the matter, citing the severity of the charges. She adjourned the case to May 9, 2025, for compliance by the State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
The suspects remain in custody while the police continue their search for the other individuals involved.
