The Chief Magistrate Court 1 Bende, in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, has adjourned the ongoing murder case involving His Royal Highness, Eze James Ogbonna, alongside Mr. Igwe Anyim and Ndukwe Sunday Igara, to March 27, 2025.
The ruling was delivered on Thursday by the presiding Chief Magistrate, His Worship Elizabeth, following proceedings that saw the defendants remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Umuahia.
The case centers around the alleged involvement of the three defendants in the murder of one Isaac Ndukwe, an indigene of Umuekpa Item in Bende LGA, which occurred in 2024.
When the matter came up in court on Thursday, the Police Prosecutor, U. Ekpo, emphasized the prosecution’s commitment to the case, stating that they had formally filed information before a High Court, a move that would necessitate the defendants’ appearance to enter a plea.
However, defense counsel J. Osisiogu countered, arguing that neither he nor his clients had been served any official documents from the prosecution, even as of the day of the hearing.
He further asserted that his clients, including the traditional ruler, should be presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
Osisiogu pleaded for bail on behalf of Eze James Ogbonna, citing the monarch’s deteriorating health conditions due to his detention at the correctional center.
Additionally, he raised concerns over an unknown individual seen taking photographs of the traditional ruler within the courtroom without consent, an act he described as suspicious and intrusive.
Following these developments, the Chief Magistrate temporarily stepped down the case for an hour to allow the prosecution to properly file its application.
After reconvening, the court ordered that the original case file be remitted to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further review. Consequently, the case was adjourned to March 27, 2025.
The adjournment marks a critical stage in the high-profile case, which has drawn significant public interest due to the involvement of a traditional ruler and the gravity of the charges.
Legal analysts suggest that the decision to remit the case file to the DPP indicates a possible reassessment of evidence and prosecution strategy.
As the legal proceedings continue, all eyes remain on the judicial system to ensure a fair trial while addressing concerns raised by the defense regarding due process and the well-being of the accused individuals.