A university lecturer, Professor Uchenna Ezemagu, has been arraigned before an Enugu court on charges of conspiracy and providing false information that led to the wrongful arrest and suspension of His Royal Highness, Igwe Christopher Okwor, the traditional ruler of Ihekwuenu in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area.
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, who lectures at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI), was arrested alongside three others—Sunday Ezemagu, Ugbor Ifeanyi, and Ezemagu Chima—who are still at large.
The charges stem from events that occurred in September 2021 when the accused allegedly provided false information to the police at the Force Headquarters Annex in Enugu. According to the charge sheet, the accused falsely implicated several individuals—including Igwe Okwor, his family members, and other community members—in serious criminal activities. These accusations included allegations of cultism, burglary, unlawful possession of firearms, malicious damage to property, and even attempted murder.
The police investigation that followed these false allegations led to the wrongful suspension of Igwe Okwor by the Enugu State Government. The monarch’s suspension was a result of the supposed criminal activities that were later proven to be unfounded.
Professor Ezemagu, who was elevated to the rank of professor in November 2024, appeared in court to answer the charges against him. He pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of conspiracy and providing false information.
The court granted him bail in the sum of ₦10 million, with the requirement that one surety must be a permanent secretary or an equivalent-ranking public officer. The case has been adjourned to May 14, 2025, for further hearing.
Barrister Jerry Iheanacho, the lawyer representing Igwe Okwor, expressed relief at the arraignment, calling it a significant step toward justice. “Our client has been vindicated,” he said. “The allegations were baseless, and the police investigation confirmed that.” He also called for those who misled the authorities to be held accountable.
In an emotional statement, Igwe Okwor recounted his wrongful treatment during the police investigation. He described how his home was raided late at night and how he was taken to Abuja under what he called degrading circumstances—dressed only in bathroom slippers and shorts.
“My house was raided at about 10 p.m., and I was taken to Abuja in nothing but bathroom slippers and shorts,” Igwe Okwor 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.”
Igwe Okwor’s statement highlights the deep emotional toll the false accusations took on him, and he called on the Enugu State Government to act on the findings of the police investigation and reinstate him as the rightful monarch of Ihekwuenu.
“Justice must be served,” he continued. “Those who misled the authorities must be held accountable. We also expect the government to do the needful.”
Professor Ezemagu’s involvement in the case has raised questions about the motives behind the false allegations. According to sources close to the investigation, Ezemagu had avoided several police invitations before he was finally apprehended and arraigned in court.
It is alleged that Ezemagu conspired with other individuals to provide false information that led to the suspension of Igwe Okwor. These false claims not only damaged the reputation of the monarch but also caused immense emotional and financial distress to him and his family.
The police investigation revealed that the accusations were entirely fabricated, and as a result, Igwe Okwor’s suspension was overturned. However, the damage had already been done, and it remains to be seen whether those responsible for the false claims will face the full extent of the law.
The wrongful suspension of Igwe Okwor sparked public outcry, especially within the Ihekwuenu community, where the monarch is highly respected. His supporters have consistently argued that the accusations were baseless and that he was the victim of a malicious plot. The public perception of the case has been further influenced by the wrongful treatment Igwe Okwor endured during his arrest and transportation to Abuja.
Local residents of Ihekwuenu have expressed relief that the truth is finally coming to light, with many calling for the immediate reinstatement of Igwe Okwor. The case has also garnered attention from human rights advocates who have highlighted the unjust nature of the monarch’s suspension and the impact it had on his family.
The case against Professor Ezemagu and his alleged accomplices has significant legal implications. The charges of conspiracy and providing false information are serious offenses, and if convicted, the accused could face severe penalties. The case also serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of providing false information to law enforcement authorities, especially when it leads to the wrongful suspension or arrest of innocent individuals.
For now, the focus remains on the court proceedings, and both the prosecution and defense will continue to present their arguments in the coming months. As the case moves forward, many are watching closely to see whether justice will be fully served.
