Jude Iheme and Chika Madukwe, two accused terrorists, are charged with three counts of terrorism by Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun. The allegations stem from their alleged kidnapping and killing of Eze Basil Njoku, the Traditional Ruler of Amanze Obowo Autonomous Community in Imo State.

On December 17, 2022, they allegedly assassinated the traditional ruler after capturing him and demanding N4 million in cash as ransom from his family.

According to the allegation, Iheme, Madukwe, and other alleged at-large parties planned to commit terrorism-related offenses in violation of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022 section 26.

On December 17, 2022, they were also reported to have attacked, abducted, and murdered the monarch after arming themselves with firearms and other aggressive weapons.

In addition, the IGP charged them with violating section 16 of the same Terrorism Act by neglecting to provide Security Agencies with information at their disposal that may have enabled the capture of further kidnappers.

They entered a not-guilty plea after hearing the allegations read to them by Justice Binta Nyako.

Leading the prosecution on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, Simon Lough, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, informed the court that the Police had modified the charges after apprehending additional suspects.

He asked the Court to set a date for the remaining suspects to appear and enter pleas to the revised charges.

The request was granted by Justice Binta Nyako, who set the new arraignment date for March 12.

The defendants were to be remanded at Kuje Prison in Abuja and brought back to court on the adjourned date, according to the judge’s order.

The Judge ruled that the two defendants would be placed under detention in Kuje Prison in Abuja and would appear in Court on the adjourned date.

Read Also: Isa Yuguda: Nigeria Still Paying Fuel Subsidies