BY AGNES NWORIE, ABAKALIKI
THE Ebonyi State Police Command, on Wednesday, arraigned 55 suspects for alleged murder, arson, and promotion of communal war, among others.
The 55 suspects were said to have been responsible for killings and destruction of properties during the communal clash between the people of Effium and Ezza Effium, in the Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The defendants were also said to have been illegally in possession of firearms during the crisis.
The crisis between Effium and Ezza Effium communities led to the killing of over 40 persons, the destruction of multi-million naira properties, and the displacement of many indigenes.
The defendants were said to have committed the offence in Ezza Effium on January 22, 2021.
The suspects were accused of murder, unlawful possession of firearms, arson and promoting inter-communal war on January 22, 2021.
Police Prosecutor, ASP Mathias Eze, said the offences were punishable under sections 516A (a), 42, 319(1), 443 of the Criminal Code Cap. 33, Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009; and Section 3 of the Robbery and Firearms Act, Cap R, 11, Laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2004, as amended.
No bail application was made on behalf of the defendants, who were not represented in court.
Chief Magistrate, Mrs Nnenna Onuoha, ordered the remand of the defendants at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Abakaliki, while their case file was transferred to the office of the Director of Public Prosecution for legal advice.
The matter was adjourned to February 19, 2021.
