A Magistrate Court in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State has ordered the remand of the traditional ruler of Okai Item, His Royal Highness Eze James Ogbonna, along with two others, at the Nigeria Correctional Centre in Umuahia over an alleged murder case.
The monarch, alongside Igwe Anyim and Ndukwe Sunday Igara, is facing charges in connection with the killing of a 20-year-old youth, Ndukwe Isaac, who was reportedly lynched by irate members of the community.
According to reports, the father of the deceased, Mr. Isaac Maduka of Umuikpa Akanu, has demanded justice over the tragic incident which occurred on January 28.
During the court session last Thursday, the presiding magistrate, His Worship Elizabeth, directed the prosecuting counsel to transfer the case file to the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Although the prosecutor, U. Ekpo, contended that the case file had already been filed before a High Court and should not require further remittance, he accepted the court’s directive in the interest of public peace.
He emphasized that the prosecution was committed to the matter and had filed the necessary information to allow the accused to take their plea at the High Court.
However, counsel for the defendants, J. Osisiogu, argued that the prosecution had not formally served any of the defendants with the filed information as of the day of the court sitting.
The case has been adjourned to March 27 for further hearing.