Jude Iheme, 52, and Chika Madukwe, 42, suspected killers of the traditional ruler of Amanze Obowo Autonomous Community of Imo State, Eze Basil Njoku are to face fresh terrorism charges at the Federal High Court, Abuja on March 12.
The duo allegedly kidnapped and killed him in what appeared to be an act of terrorism on December 17, 2022.
The defendants allegedly killed the victim while he was returning from the Federal Medical Center, Umuahia, Abia State after kidnapping and collecting a ransom of N4 million cash from his family.
The Inspector-General of Police slammed a three-count terrorism charge against the duo.
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In the charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/575/2024, Iheme and Madukwe alongside others said to be at large were accused to have conspired to commit felony to wit acts of terrorism contrary to Section 26 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.
They were said to have been armed with guns and offensive weapons when they attacked, kidnapped and killed the traditional ruler.
In the charge, the I-G also accused them of failing to give useful information at their disposal to security agencies to assist the security personnel in apprehending other kidnappers.
This act, as contained in the charge, is contrary to Section 16 of the Terrorism Act.
When the charge was read to them before Justice Binta Nyako, they pleaded not guilty.
The prosecuting counsel, Simon Lough (SAN), told the court that the police had amended the charge following the arrest of more suspects.
Lough prayed the court for a date to produce the other suspects in court to take their plea.
Justice Nyako granted the request and adjourned the matter until March 12 for a fresh arraignment.
The judge ordered that the two defendants be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja and to be brought to court on March 12.
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