A Magistrate Court in Enugu has arraigned Professor Uchenna Ezemagu, a lecturer at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI), over false accusations that allegedly led to the arrest and suspension of HRH Igwe Christopher Okwor, a traditional ruler in Enugu State.
The case, registered as Charge No: MEN/100C/2025, is being heard at the Admin Court of the Enugu North Magistrates’ Court, presided over by His Worship O. S. Chukwuani.
Professor Ezemagu, 50, was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy and giving false information to the police. He was arraigned alongside three others, Sunday Ezemagu, Ugbor Ifeanyi, and Ezemagu Chima, who are currently at large.
According to the charge sheet, the accused persons allegedly conspired on September 20, 2021, at the Police Force Headquarters Annex in Enugu, to falsely accuse several individuals, including members of the monarch’s family, of crimes ranging from cultism and burglary to attempted murder.
The false claims reportedly triggered a full-scale police investigation and the subsequent suspension of Igwe Okwor by the Enugu State Government.
Count two of the charge states that the accusations were made “with intent to mislead the authorities,” resulting in arrests and reputational damage.
Ezemagu pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N10 million, with one surety who must be a permanent secretary or equivalent. The matter has been adjourned to May 14, 2025, for hearing.
Speaking to journalists, Igwe’s legal counsel, Barr. Jerry Iheanacho, welcomed the arraignment as a significant moment in the quest for justice.
“Our client has been vindicated by the outcome of the police investigation,” he said. “It was because of these false allegations that the state government suspended him.”
“He was wrongly accused of demolishing a house built for a blind man. He was also labelled a kidnapper and an armed robber. But the police found all these claims to be false.”
Iheanacho added that the arraignment of Professor Ezemagu and others confirms their client’s innocence.
“This is a clear vindication. We are happy and insist that justice must be served. The government should now do the needful by reinstating our client.”
Reacting to the development, HRH Igwe Christopher Okwor, traditional ruler of Ihekwuenu community in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, expressed relief that justice was finally being served.
“My house was invaded around 10pm. I was taken to Abuja in just bathroom slippers and shorts over a completely fictitious allegation,” he said.
“In 2001, when it was our turn to see the DIG, Uche, the complainant, ran away and dropped a letter. Since then, they disappeared.”
“They later arrested my son Uzochukwu for allegedly buying a stolen car. Uchenna was invited to explain but didn’t show up.”
The monarch described the police arraignment of Ezemagu as a long-awaited vindication.
“I have always said I was innocent. I never demolished any blind man’s house. Now, the police have confirmed that the allegations were frivolous.”
Sources say Professor Ezemagu had repeatedly ignored police invitations and was on the run for months before his eventual arrest and arraignment.
His evasion further complicated the investigation, but authorities finally moved in after gathering enough evidence.