By Chinedu Adonu, Enugu
The Nigeria Police Force has arraigned a university lecturer, Professor Uchenna Ezemagu, on a two-count charge of conspiracy and providing false information that allegedly led to the wrongful arrest and suspension of His Royal Highness, Igwe Christopher Okwor.
The case, filed under Charge No: MEN/100C/2025, is being heard before His Worship O.S. Chukwuani at the Enugu North Magistrates’ Court.
Professor Ezemagu, a lecturer at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI), was elevated to professorship in November 2024. He was arraigned alongside three others—Sunday Ezemagu, Ugbor Ifeanyi, and Ezemagu Chima—who are currently at large.
According to the charge sheet, on or about September 20, 2021, the accused conspired to provide false information to the police at the Force Headquarters Annex in Enugu. The second count alleges that they falsely accused several individuals—including Chinonso Okwor, Ifunanya Okwor, Kenechukwu Ani, and others—of serious crimes such as cultism, burglary, unlawful possession of firearms, malicious damage to property, and attempted murder.
These allegations led to a police investigation and the subsequent suspension of Igwe Okwor by the Enugu State Government.
Professor Ezemagu pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of ₦10 million, with one surety required to be a permanent secretary or an equivalent-ranking public officer. The case was adjourned to May 14, 2025, for hearing.
Barrister Jerry Iheanacho, counsel to Igwe Okwor, hailed the arraignment as a major step toward justice.
“Our client has been vindicated. The allegations were baseless, and the police investigation confirmed that. He was falsely accused of destroying a blind man’s home and labelled a kidnapper and armed robber,” said Iheanacho.
He further urged the Enugu State Government to act on the findings and reinstate the monarch.
“Justice must be served. Those who misled the authorities must be held accountable. We also expect the government to do the needful.”
Speaking on his ordeal, Igwe Christopher Okwor, traditional ruler of Ihekwuenu community in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, shared how he was unjustly treated.
“My house was raided at about 10 p.m., and I was taken to Abuja in nothing but bathroom slippers and shorts,” he recounted. “These were all lies. I never demolished any blind man’s house. The complainant, Uche, ran away when we were supposed to appear before the DIG in 2001 and has been in hiding since.”
Sources say Professor Ezemagu had evaded police invitations for several months before he was finally apprehended and arraigned.
“Today, I feel vindicated,” the monarch said. “The truth has come out, and justice is finally taking its course.”
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