The three suspects arrested over the attempted murder of the traditional ruler of Umunya, Anambra State, Igwe Kris Onyekwuluje, were on Monday arraigned before an Nteje Magistrate court on a count charge of conspiracy.

The suspects, Ekene Okonkwo Ejeh, Mmaduka Udemezue and Okey Emelife, were in court and were granted bail by the administrative magistrate, Chukwudi Ibemesi.

The bail was granted on health grounds though there was no medical report brought to the court.

However, after the court proceedings, the Chairman of Youths Association of Odumodu Ani and Odumodu Enu villages in Umunya , Nze Okwudili Nwankwo raised alarm that one of the main suspects, Okonkwo Ejeh allegedly threatened to deal with him and others despite the warnings of the Magistrate that all parties should not speak on the matter.

According to information released, those at large and wanted by the police include Chukwudozie Udemezue, Charles Menankiti, Sunday Esedo, Ozoekwe Nwoye, Gregory Emeneogha, Obed Nweke, Denis Nweke, John Udokwu, Edwin Nwankwo, Eric Morah, Patrick Oramalu, Ozoekwe Nwoye and their native doctor.

It would be recalled that Igwe Onyekwuluje, escaped assassination attempt on Sunday, 9th August, 2015 by a gang of ten men who are said to have come from Aguleri and Umuleri allegedly hired by Umunya sons led by Ekene Okonkwo and Chukwudozie Udemezue but that attempt was foiled by the men of the Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

It was gathered that SARS acted on a tip off but unfortunately missed the bus load of the gang but the traces of evidence they left behind led to the arrest of the three that master minded the plan.

Also the documentary plot to kill the traditional ruler was leaked to the police by one the three plotters who may have been done with spilling blood and in the graphic documentary, their plan was to either pour acid on the traditional ruler or shoot him at a close range.

When contacted, Igwe Onyekwuluje, expressed shock at the plot and wondered why someone would want to kill him when he is a peace maker who is only working for the progress and development of the entire Umunya community.

In his words, “Yes, what you heard is true and I can’t believe this is happening. I am a peace maker and will always by peace.”

He however declined to speak further in the matter saying that it was under police investigation.

The officer in charge of SARS, James Nwafor refused speaking on the matter saying it is in the place of the police PPRO to speak on the matter but he however confirmed the arrest of some of the suspects who wanted to assassinate the traditional ruler of Umunya, Igwe Onyekwuluje.

When the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Okechukwu Ali, was contacted, he said he was yet to be briefed officially on the matter.

Update news