Thirty-three suspects have been arraigned in a high court in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, over a deadly communal clash between the people of Amasiri in Afikpo Local Government Area and their Okporojo neighbours in Oso Edda, Edda Local Government Area. The arraignment took place on Friday, with the accused facing four counts of murder stemming from a violent attack on January 29, 2026, in which four individuals were killed. The suspects, all indigenes of Amasiri, include traditional rulers Geoffrey Onya and Idam Bassey, as well as Baron Anya, coordinator of the Amasiri Development Center. Others named in the charges are Emmanuel Ngwoke, Samuel Eni, Eze Ekeocha, Chukwudi Nwachinemre, Chukwuemeka Ifesinachi, Emmanuel Ogbonnaya, Oko Julius, Eze Uchendu, and Eburu Sunday.
The accused are charged with the murder of Kalu Dick, Ifeoma Oduko Uduma, Anthony Ekumankama, and Eze Orji Ndukwe, all residents of Okporojo, Oso Edda. The charges are brought under Section 319(1) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 33, Vol 1, Laws of Ebonyi State, 2009. After the charges were read, all suspects pleaded not guilty. Their defence counsel, Chief Mudi Erhenede, made an oral application for bail, arguing that the accused have been in custody for five months and that the police had recommended their release. However, the government’s counsel, Chinyere Anoke, representing the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Ben Odo, opposed the bail application, stating that murder charges typically disqualify individuals from being released on bail.
The trial judge, Justice Emmanuel Ogbunnefi, adjourned the case to June 5th and 17th to allow the defence to file a written bail application. The incident that led to these charges occurred during a long-standing land dispute between Amasiri and Oso Edda communities. On January 29, 2026, warriors from Amasiri invaded Okporojo, resulting in the beheading of four people, including an elderly woman. The attack also led to the destruction of several homes and other properties worth millions of naira. This escalation of violence highlights the deep-rooted tensions over land ownership in the region, which have persisted for decades.
The court proceedings mark a significant step in addressing the aftermath of the communal violence, as justice is sought for the victims and their families. The case will continue to draw attention as the legal process unfolds, with the outcome potentially influencing how such disputes are managed in the future. The situation underscores the urgent need for lasting peace and conflict resolution mechanisms in Ebonyi State.
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