33 Suspects Arraigned Over Alleged Beheading Of 4 Villagers In Ebonyi

No fewer than 33 suspects, including traditional rulers and three women, were arraigned before an Ebonyi State High Court sitting in Abakaliki over their alleged involvement in a violent communal clash that led to the killing and beheading of four villagers.

The defendants, all from Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area, were arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy and murder arising from a long-standing land dispute with the neighbouring Oso-Edda community in Edda Local Government Area.

The prosecution alleged that the defendants invaded Okporojo community in Oso-Edda on January 29, 2026, during which four residents were killed. The victims were identified as Kalu Dick, Ifeoma Oduko Uduma, Anthony Ekumankama and Eze Orji Ndukwe.

According to the charge, the alleged offences are punishable under Section 319(1) of the Criminal Code Law of Ebonyi State.

When the charges were read in court, all 33 defendants pleaded not guilty.

Lead defence counsel, Mudi Erhenede, made an oral application for bail on behalf of the traditional rulers and the three female defendants, urging the court to consider their status, gender and the period they had already spent in custody.

He also argued that the suspects had been in detention for about five months and noted that police authorities had earlier recommended their release.

However, the application was opposed by counsel to the Ebonyi State Government, Chinyere Anoke, who maintained that the defendants were facing capital offences involving murder and should not be granted bail.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Emmanuel Ogbunnefi ordered that the defendants be remanded in custody and adjourned the matter to June 5 and June 17, 2026, for further hearing.

The case is linked to a prolonged communal conflict between Amasiri and Oso-Edda communities over disputed boundary farmlands, which has repeatedly triggered violent clashes in the area.

Security sources said tensions escalated in January following earlier incidents, including reported