Community in Enugu Wary After Bail Granted to Murder Suspect

Many inhabitants of Oruku autonomous community in Enugu State’s Nkanu East Local Government Area are currently living in apprehension.

The fears have escalated following the granting of bail by Justice Cyprian Aja of the State High Court to Moses Nnamani, a key suspect in the murder case of the community’s traditional ruler, Igwe Chidiebere Emmanuel Mba.

Oruku community has been embroiled in longstanding conflicts, both internal and external, notably with its neighbor Umuode, for over three decades.

The tension reached a peak on December 26, 2020, when Igwe Chidiebere Emmanuel Mba was killed during the community’s annual gathering.

Nnamani, a 57-year-old land commission agent, is accused of orchestrating the murder of the monarch by allegedly hiring policemen.

Together with Inspector Daniel Dennis, 47, they were arrested and charged with murder and conspiracy.

Following a series of legal maneuvers, Nnamani and the dismissed Inspector Daniel Dennis were brought before Justice Aja on June 19, 2024, where they faced charges of conspiracy and murder.

Despite the severity of the charges, Justice Aja granted Moses Nnamani bail under specific conditions.

The bail conditions include two sureties, one being a Permanent Secretary and the other a traditional ruler, both required to possess property worth not less than N20 million within the court’s jurisdiction.

Addressing concerns around the bail decision, Justice Aja clarified that the granting of bail does not absolve the accused from possible conviction if found guilty after a fair trial.

This development comes after two other suspects, Onyema Ede and Chikadibia Okenwa, were previously granted bail but were later accused of arson against individuals who opposed the murder suspects.

The grim events following the murder have left the Oruku community reeling, with a string of violent incidents and loss of lives.

Notably, the murder of Igwe Emmanuel Mba during the community’s annual meeting prompted national outrage, leading to the establishment of a judicial commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing.

Various reports and investigations have linked Nnamani and Dennis to the murder, pointing to a conspiracy fueled by longstanding disputes.

It is crucial now, more than ever, to ensure the safety of the community and uphold justice in the face of these grave tragedies.

Ejike Mba, the younger brother of the late Igwe Mba, has voiced concerns about potential attempts to subvert justice and shield the perpetrators, emphasizing the need for accountability and protection of witnesses.

The unsettling events in Oruku underscore the urgent need for a fair and thorough legal process to bring closure and justice to the affected community.