The people of Ihe Autonomous Community in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State have called on Governor Peter Mbah to intervene in the case of their kinsman, Ifeanyi Ekoh, who is facing execution in Ebonyi State.
The community is urging Mbah to engage with his Ebonyi State counterpart, Francis Nwifuru, to halt the execution, citing concerns over a possible miscarriage of justice. Ekoh was convicted in 2012 for the murder of a minor in Ebonyi State when he was 27.
While several individuals were initially arrested in connection with the crime, only Ekoh and one other person received a death sentence.
Addressing journalists in Enugu, Engr. Anichukwu Chikezie Solomon, President General of the Federation of Ihe Autonomous Communities, insisted that Ekoh was wrongfully convicted.
He maintained that Ekoh had no involvement in the killing of seven-year-old Ukamaka Immaculata Ogboji, whose body was reportedly dismembered for ritual purposes.
Solomon, represented by Ekoh’s nephew, Nnaemeka Nzekwe, disclosed that a petition has been submitted to the Supreme Court, seeking a review of the case.
He urged Governor Mbah to use his influence to ensure justice.
“We are calling for a thorough review of this case so that the truth can emerge.
My nephew’s life should not be wasted due to false accusations,” Solomon stated.
He further alleged that a politically influential suspect in the case was never charged, despite his suspected involvement.
According to him, Ekoh had a solid alibi proving he was not in Agubia-Ikwo, Ebonyi State, when the crime took place on August 19, 2012.
“Where is the justice in the Appeal Court’s ruling? Ifeanyi Ekoh left Ebonyi State on August 16, 2012, yet Ukamaka was murdered three days later by Obinna Nwuruku and Ebenezer Amaga, who openly confessed to the crime,” he added.
To press for intervention, the community has sent appeals to various authorities, including the Ebonyi State Governor, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and representatives from Enugu West Senatorial Zone and Awgu Federal Constituency.
Solomon also raised concerns about the prolonged detention of human rights activist Kindness Jonah, who has been advocating for Ekoh’s release.
He alleged that a powerful Ebonyi politician was behind Jonah’s arrest, leading to his continued detention without trial at the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) facility in Abuja.
The community remains firm in its demand for justice, insisting that an innocent man should not be executed for a crime he did not commit. They are calling on Governor Mbah and other authorities to take urgent action to prevent a wrongful execution.