Tension is escalating in the crisis-ridden Orukwu community, Enugu State, following the court’s decision to grant bail to Moses Nnamani, the main suspect in the assassination of the community’s traditional ruler, Igwe Emmanuel Chidiebere Mba.
Nnamani, a 57-year-old land agent, was accused of hiring policemen to kill the monarch during a community meeting on December 26, 2020.
The community, already displaced by inter- and intra-communal conflicts, is now in a state of panic, fearing for their safety as the suspect walks free.
The bail decision has raised concerns about the potential release of other suspects, including Inspector Daniel Dennis, who allegedly pulled the trigger, and the possible destruction of evidence.
Nnamani had reportedly fled to Ghana and was only arrested after being lured back to Nigeria with a lucrative land deal.
The court’s decision to grant bail despite the gravity of the offense has sparked outrage, with many questioning the justice system’s ability to deliver justice for the slain monarch.
The Enugu State Government and security agencies’ efforts to restore peace in the community may be jeopardized by the court’s decision, which has reignited tensions and fears among the residents.
The community is now calling for justice and appealing to the authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable for their crimes.
The crisis has already claimed numerous lives and destroyed properties worth millions, leaving the once-thriving community in ruins.
