Court Remands 6 Over Killing Of Traditional Ruler In Ebony

A Magistrate Court in Abakaliki has remanded six persons in custody over the alleged murder of Isinkwo Autonomous Community’s traditional ruler, HRH Eze Josephat Ikegwu.

The defendants—Ucha Johnson, Ogobuchi Igwe, Nkpuma Nwankwo, Edwin Onwoshi, Itumo Joseph and Emmanuel Nwaba, were arraigned on Tuesday on charges of conspiracy, murder, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms.

Prosecution records said the suspects, alongside others still at large, allegedly conspired on April 1, 2026, in Ishinkwo, Onicha Local Government Area, to kill the monarch, an offence punishable under Section 324 of the Criminal Code.

The prosecution alleged that the defendants shot Eze Ikegwu at his residence in the community, destroying the property and killing him instantly.

Until his death, the late monarch was the traditional ruler of Isinkwo Autonomous Community in Onicha LGA. He was reportedly attacked and killed inside his home by gunmen.

In another count, Ucha Johnson, Ogobuchi Igwe and others still at large were accused of belonging to the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, known as “Baggers,” in violation of Ebonyi State’s anti‑cult law.

The accused were also charged with unlawful possession of firearms, including one AK‑47 rifle (breach number 1987‑658), one AK‑47 magazine, eight rounds of AK‑47 live ammunition, one locally made revolver pistol and one round of 3mm live ammunition, contravening Section 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act.

Presiding Magistrate Olughu Nnachi declined jurisdiction in the matter and ordered the defendants remanded in custody.