Five Middle Aged men have been remanded in Abakaliki Prison over alleged involvement in murder and robbery of a truck valued at N39 million belonging to a Former Chairman of Edda Local Government Area and a former House of Assembly Member, Dr Eni Uduma-Chima.
The suspects were arraigned before an Abakaliki Magistrates’ Court yesterday presided over by Mrs. Sandra Onyibe.
Dr. Uduma-Chima is currently, the Chairman of Ebonyi State Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited Board.
The suspects include: 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 gun.
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 Ndienwuru 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 (₦39,000,000.00) 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.
