Three men have appeared in Awka High Court, Anambra State, charged in connection with the disappearance of local businessman and property developer, Benjamin Ezemma, known as BigBen.
Mr. Ezemma, a co-founder of Dubai Estate in Anambra, has been missing since 12th November 2024.
The accused, named as Ozo Jeff Nweke, Nwokoye Tochukwu, and David Chukwuemeka, face charges under suit number AWK/6c/2025. They are accused of conspiracy to kidnap and the subsequent abduction of Mr. Ezemma. All three pleaded not guilty before Justice Ike Ogu.
Mr. Nweke, a prominent Awka resident, was represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Alex Ajesieme. The second and third defendants were represented by OL Udemezue and AO Onyekachi, respectively. A deputy director from the Ministry of Justice led the prosecution.
Mr. Nweke attended court from a hospital in Enugu, while Mr. Tochukwu has been in custody since November 2024. Mr. Chukwuemeka remains at large.
The prosecution requested permission to appoint a private physician to assess Mr. Nweke’s health. Mr. Tochukwu’s counsel applied for bail, which the prosecution contested.
Justice Ogu ordered that the current arrangements continue: Mr. Nweke and Mr. Chukwuemeka remain at liberty, while Mr. Tochukwu remains in custody.
The case has been adjourned until 7th March 2025 for a full hearing.
