A Magistrate Court sitting in Abakaliki has ordered the remand of six defendants in a correctional facility over the alleged murder of the traditional ruler of Isinkwo Autonomous Community in Ebonyi State, HRH Eze Josephat Ikegwu.
The defendants — Ucha Johnson, Oguchu Igwe, Nkpuma Nwankwo, Edwin Onwoshi, Itumo Joseph and Emmanuel Nwaba — were arraigned on Tuesday on charges bordering on conspiracy, murder, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms. They were accused of committing the offence on April 1, 2026, at Ishinkwo in Onicha Local Government Area, where they allegedly conspired with others still at large to kill the monarch.
According to the prosecution, the accused persons unlawfully killed the traditional ruler by shooting him at his residence in the community. The late HRH Eze Josephat Ikegwu was reportedly attacked and killed inside his home by armed men.
In a separate count, Ucha Johnson, Oguchu Igwe and others still at large were accused of belonging to a secret cult group identified as the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, also known as “Baggers,” in violation of Ebonyi State laws prohibiting secret cult activities and the use of offensive weapons.
The defendants were further charged with unlawful possession of firearms, including one AK-47 rifle with breach number 1987-658, one AK-47 magazine, eight rounds of live AK-47 ammunition, one locally made revolver pistol and one round of 3mm live ammunition.
The offences were said to be contrary to Section 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap 33, Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State, 2009, and Section 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap R11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Presiding Magistrate Olughu Nnachi ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction over the matter after the charges were read. The defendants were subsequently remanded in a correctional facility pending legal advice and further proceedings before a court with competent jurisdiction