By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka, the State capital, on Thursday, arraigned three suspects in connection with alleged missing prominent realtor and Vice-chairman of Dubai Estate, Awka, Mr. Benjamin Ezenma, popularly known as "Big Ben".
The suspects, Ọzo Jeff Nweke, Messrs Tochukwu Nwokoye and David Chukwuemeka Chinonso, were arraigned before the Administrative Judge, Awka Judicial Division, Justice Ike Ogu on charges bothering on conspiracy and kidnapping of Big Ben who was said to have disappeared since November 12, 2024.
However, the three defendants in suit no. AWK/6C/2025 pleaded not guilty to the two count charges read before them in the Court.
But in view of an application by counsel for the 1st defendant (Ozo Jeff Nweke), Chief Alex Ejesieme, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) which the prosecution counsel, a deputy director, Ministry of Justice, Anambra state, Mrs P. N. Ofoma prayed the Court to give her time to file appropriate reply and the Court adjourned further proceedings on the matter.
Also, hearing on a bail application in favour of the 2nd defendant (Tochukwu Nwokoye) who had been remanded in the custody of the Correctional Centre since 13th November, 2024 was adjourned to 7th March, 2025 while hearing on the substantive case was adjourned to 4th March, 30th of April, and, 2nd May, 2025 respectively.