By Amarachukwu Ehia, Abakaliki
No fewer than 33 persons have been arraigned before an Ebonyi State High Court over the prolonged communal conflict between Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area and neighbouring Okporojo community in Oso Edda, Edda Local Government Area.
The suspects were brought before the court sitting in Abakaliki on Friday on a four-count charge bordering on alleged murder.
Among those arraigned are two traditional rulers, Geoffrey Onya and Idam Bassey, alongside the Coordinator of Amasiri Development Centre, Baron Anya.
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Others standing trial include Emmanuel Ngwoke, Samuel Eni, Eze Ekeocha, Chukwudi Nwachinemre, Chukwuemeka Ifesinachi, Emmanuel Ogbonnaya, Oko Julius, Eze Uchendu and Eburu Sunday, among others.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants were involved in the killing of Kalu Dick, Ifeoma Oduko Uduma, Anthony Ekumankama and Eze Orji Ndukwe during an attack on Okporojo community on January 29, 2026, contrary to Section 319(1) of the Criminal Code Law of Ebonyi State, 2009.
The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty after the charges were read before the court.
Defence counsel, Chief Mudi Erhenede, orally applied for bail for Geoffrey Onya, Idam Bassey, Baron Anya and two female suspects, arguing that they had remained in custody for about five months and that the police had recommended their release.
He urged the court to consider their social status and the provisions of Order 7 of the Ebonyi State Criminal Justice Rules 2023 in granting the application.
But counsel to the state government, Chinyere Anoke, representing the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Ben Odo, opposed the request, maintaining that the defendants were facing serious murder charges and should not be granted bail.
Justice Emmanuel Ogbunnefi adjourned the matter to June 5 and June 17, 2026, for the defence to file a formal written bail application.
The crisis between Amasiri and Oso Edda communities has persisted for decades over a disputed land boundary. The violence reportedly escalated in January 2026 when suspected attackers invaded Okporojo community, killing four persons, including an elderly woman, and destroying houses and property worth millions of naira.
