A Magistrate Court in Enugu North Magisterial District has arraigned a 50-year-old academic, Professor Uchenna Ezemagu, on a two charges involving conspiracy and the provision of false information to law enforcement.
These actions allegedly triggered the arrest and subsequent suspension of a traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Igwe Christopher Okwor.
Filed under Charge No: MEN/100C/2025, the matter is currently before His Worship O. S. Chukwuani at the Admin Court of the Enugu North Magistrates’ Court.
Professor Ezemagu, a lecturer at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo who attained professorship in November 2024, appeared in court alongside three co-accused; Sunday Ezemagu, Ugbor Ifeanyi, and Ezemagu Chima, who remain at large.
According to the charge sheet, the accused allegedly conspired around September 20, 2021, at the Police Force Headquarters Annex in Enugu to commit a felony by knowingly providing false information to the police.
The second count outlines that the group, “with intent to mislead the authorities,” falsely implicated multiple individuals—Chinonso Okwor, Ifunanya Okwor, Kenechukwu Ani, one Sammy, among others—in serious crimes such as cultism, burglary, unlawful possession of arms, property vandalism, and attempted murder.
These grave but unfounded accusations spurred a police investigation and ultimately led to the state government suspending Igwe Okwor from his position.
Professor Ezemagu pleaded not guilty and was granted bail set at ₦10 million. The court required one surety who must hold the position of a permanent secretary or an equivalent-ranking officer in public service. The case was adjourned until May 14, 2025, for continuation of hearing.
Speaking on the development, Barrister Jerry Iheanacho, legal counsel to the embattled monarch, hailed the arraignment as a significant step toward justice.
“Our client has been vindicated by the outcome of the police investigation. It was because of these false allegations that the state government suspended him,” Iheanacho said.
“He was accused of demolishing a house meant for a blind man and was even labelled a kidnapper and armed robber. But the police, in their wisdom, investigated and found the allegations to be baseless.”
The lawyer called on the Enugu State Government to take swift action based on the police findings by reinstating the traditional ruler.
“This is a clear vindication. Justice must be served, and those who falsely accused him should be held accountable. We also expect the government to do the needful,” he added.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Igwe Christopher Okwor, traditional ruler of Ihekwuenu in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, described the harrowing experience of being wrongfully arrested.
“My house was invaded at about 10 p.m. I was taken to Abuja wearing only bathroom slippers and shorts, all because of fabricated allegations,” the monarch said.
“In 2001, when we were supposed to appear before the DIG, Uche—the complainant—fled and dropped a letter. Since then, he and the others went into hiding. Later, my son Uzochukwu was arrested in Abuja for allegedly buying a stolen car. Someone secured his bail. Uchenna was invited to explain, gave us a date, and never showed up.”
He continued, “Today, I feel vindicated. The police have finally arraigned him after confirming the allegations were frivolous and untrue. I have always maintained my innocence. I never demolished any blind man’s house.”
Sources close to the investigation disclosed that Professor Ezemagu had repeatedly ignored police invitations and was on the run for months before he was eventually apprehended and brought before the court.
