Six persons have been remanded in a correctional facility by a Magistrate Court sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, over the alleged murder of a traditional ruler, HRH Eze Josephat Ikegwu.
The defendants — Ucha Johnson, Ogobuchi Igwe, Nkpuma Nwankwo, Edwin Onwoshi, Itumo Joseph and Emmanuel Nwaba — were arraigned before the court on Tuesday on multiple charges bordering on conspiracy, murder, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to court records, the suspects and others said to be at large allegedly conspired on April 1, 2026, at Ishinkwo in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State to commit murder, an offence punishable under Section 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap 33, Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State, 2009.
The prosecution further alleged that the accused persons unlawfully murdered HRH Eze Josephat Ikegwu by shooting him at his residence in the community.
Until his death, the late monarch was the traditional ruler of Isinkwo Autonomous Community in Onicha Local Government Area of the state. He was reportedly attacked and killed in his house by gunmen.
In another count, Ucha Johnson, Ogobuchi Igwe and others still at large were accused of belonging to a secret cult known as the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, also called “Baggers,” contrary to Ebonyi State laws prohibiting secret cult activities and the carrying of offensive weapons.
The accused persons were also charged with unlawful possession of firearms, including one AK-47 rifle with breach number 1987-658, one AK-47 magazine, eight rounds of AK-47 live ammunition, one locally made revolver pistol and one round of 3mm live ammunition.
The offences were said to be contrary to Section 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap R11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The Presiding Magistrate, Olughu Nnachi, declined jurisdiction after the charges were read.
The matter was adjourned till June 10, 2026, while the defendants were ordered to be remanded in a correctional facility.
