Suspects Charged In Ubulu Okiti/Ogwashi-Uku Communal Crisis

Asaba, Delta State
The Inspector General of Police has filed a 10-count charge against five individuals for their alleged involvement in illegal possession of sophisticated weapons, causing a communal crisis, public rampaging and shooting, theft, and assaulting police officers.

The case, marked as Charge No. FHC/ASB/1c/2025, is set to be heard at the Federal High Court in Asaba.

The suspects—Mr. Emmanuel Brasca Udo Ifeadi, Mr. Peter Enojoh, Chief Linus Osemene, Mr. Japhet Biose, and Mr. Emma Ejiofor—were named in a petition filed by His Royal Majesty Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, the First Class Traditional Ruler of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.

The petition outlined allegations of unlawful activities on land legally belonging to Ashi Industries Limited and the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku on behalf of members of the Ogwashi-Uku community.

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Recall that last December 2024, the suspects along with their hired thugs attacked Ogwashi-Uku community members, Nigerian Police officers on Ogwashi-Uku communal land which was the subject of a court judgment and land which had a certificate of occupancy from the Bendel State government and the Delta State government.

According to the petition, the accused individuals were involved in acts that disrupted public peace, violated property rights, and undermined lawful authority. After the incident the police launched a manhunt for the suspects which resulted in the recovery of some of the arms used in the attack and also items stolen from the victims.

The police investigation led to charges that emphasize the seriousness of their alleged actions, including public rampaging and shooting, which posed a significant threat to public safety.

According to reports, after staging an attack on the property with guns and other dangerous weapons, the suspects launched an online smear campaign aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku. They falsely accused him of land grabbing, despite the fact that the land in question had been upheld in court judgments and was backed by all requisite legal documentation. Their actions appeared to be a calculated attempt to divert attention from their alleged crimes by painting a misleading picture to the public.

The petition detailed how the accused disrupted public peace, violated property rights, and undermined lawful authority. The police investigation into these acts led to charges that emphasize the severity of their alleged actions, including public rampaging and shooting, which posed a significant threat to public safety.

Speaking on the development, a source close to the investigation highlighted the diligent work of law enforcement in bringing the suspects to justice.

“The police have demonstrated their commitment to ensuring that the law applies equally to everyone. This case reinforces the importance of addressing grievances through the proper legal channels,” the source said.

As the trial begins, members of the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom remain hopeful that the case will serve as a deterrent to further acts of lawlessness. The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku has repeatedly emphasized the need for peace, justice, and the adherence to legal processes in resolving disputes. Chief George Okafor thanked the police for their diligent work. According to him, Ogwashi-Uku community is under siege by neighbouring communities.

He claimed that members of the Ibusa community had laid siege at Aboh Ogwashi-Uku and were rampaging through the community farmlands.

The public is urged to take note of the consequences of unlawful actions and to respect judicial systems in seeking redress for grievances. In a society governed by laws, justice must be pursued through established legal frameworks to maintain peace and order.

The suspects are expected to appear before the Federal High Court in Asaba, where the trial will be conducted.