By CHARLES IWUOHA

An Abakaliki Magistrates’ court on Wednesday arraigned five persons over alleged murder and robbery of a truck valued at N39 million, property belonging to Dr. Eni Uduma-Chima

Uduma-Chima is currently, the Board Chairman of Ebonyi State Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited.

The suspects includeincludee: Amarachi Irem, 27, Oledi Philip-Nsi, 26, Ogbu Nkama, 22, Chibueze Nnachi, 36 and Okoro Stanley Onuu, 39.

The suspects, are facing a four count charge of conspiracy, murder, armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms.

One of the suspects, Oledi Philip Nsi was in addition to the other charges further charged with attempted murder of Hon. Eni Uduma Chima on the 1st of June, 2025 at Ekoli-Edda.

The Police Prosecutor, Eze Ndubuaku told the court that the suspects committed the offences on July 9, at Ndienworo village, Ekoli Edda local government area of Ebonyi.

Ndubuaku said that the defendants conspired amongst themselves to commit murder and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 324 of the Criminal Code Cap 33 Vol. 1 Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria 2009.

“They also did kill one Udu Nnachi-Orji, ‘m’ by shooting him with gun which caused his death and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 319 of the Criminal Code Cap 33 Vol. 1 Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria 2009.

“The suspects also robbed a truck valued thirty nine million naira only (N39,000,000.00) property of Eni Uduma Chima,” he added.

Mr Sunday Ajah, Defence Counsel prayed the court to grant the suspects bail.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Sandra Onyibe however rejected the bail application and adjourned the matter to Oct. 2 for report of compliance.

According to the Magistrate, the court lacks the jurisdiction to grant them bail.

Meanwhile, elders of Ekoli-Edda community have applauded the authorities of the Nigerian Police Force under the leadership of CP Adaku Uche-Anya for the professionalism displayed by her team in the arrest, charging and remanding of the suspects in connection with the crises in Ekoli-Edda community.

One of them, who spoke to newsmen, Chief Etta Egor praised the CP for allegedly resisting every political pressures from very high quarters to ensure that perpetrators of heinous crimes in the community were brought to book.

“We commend the CP and the investigating officers very highly for their professional conducts. Even though some are still on the run, we have confidence that they will all be netted. At least peace and calm have returned to Ekoli since these arrests and prosecutions began”, he maintained.