Ebonyi Court Arraigns Monarchs and 31 Others Over Deadly Communal Clash

Thirty-three suspects, including two traditional rulers and a senior community official, appeared before the Ebonyi State High Court in Abakaliki. They face charges over a violent clash between Amasiri in Afikpo LGA and Okporojo in Edda LGA that left four residents dead. Among those arraigned are monarchs Geoffrey Onya and Idam Bassey, plus the Amasiri Development Centre Coordinator, Byron Anya. All defendants pleaded not guilty to a four-count charge of conspiracy, communal disorder, arson and murder under the state Criminal Code. In court, the defence counsel requested bail for five accused, citing five months’ detention and a police recommendation. The state government counsel opposed the plea, citing the severity of the murder charges. Justice Emmanuel Ogbunnefi adjourned the bail application to June 5 and June 17 and directed a formal submission before the next hearing.

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