Four persons are standing trial before an Onitsha High Court Number 1 sitting in Onitsha, Anambra State over their alleged involvement in the kidnap and murder of the traditional ruler of Ogwuaniocha community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Oliver Nnaji.
The four accused persons are Onyebuchi Ibenegbu, Chinefu Collins Nwonawi, Okwudili Ogana and Emeka Udom.
Nnaji was reportedly kidnapped on November 15, 2021, when some hoodlums invaded his palace, set the premises ablaze, burnt about four vehicles and whisked the monarch away and his whereabouts have remained unknown to date.
Seven accused persons were earlier arraigned by the police in the kidnap and murder of the traditional ruler, but the court had earlier discharged three persons.
Those discharged were Nduba Chibuzor, Ifi Silas Nwabuwa and Osadebe Sunday.
Discharging the three accused persons, the presiding judge, Justice Nweze noted that there was no substantial evidence to prove that they were among those who conspired to abduct Igwe Nnaji and as such “continue to try them would amount to a breach of their fundamental human rights”.
