By Sunny A. David, Onitsha
The most wanted criminal suspect in Anambra State, one Ikechukwu Udensi also known as Ikanda, has been remanded in Onitsha prison till May 30.
Ikanda’s remand was a decision of Chief Magistrate Chioma Amuche of Magistrate Court II, Onitsha after his arraignment.
He was arraigned over his alleged involvement in the murder of a native of Umunede, Ika North-East Local government Area, Delta State and an Onitsha-based businessman late Mr. Ndubuisi Nwokolo.
The suspect was accused of committing the crime on 29th of June 2018 while working with five others accomplices who are currently at large including Tochukwu Aneke, Eze Okwuchukwu and Ebuka Udensi.
Speaking after Ikanda’s remand order was issued by the court, Chairman of Ogalonye Bright Street Line, Main Market Onitsha, Mr. Francis Maduka, demanded justice against him to put an end to such atrocities in the state.
Said he: “Every right-thinking person in Anambra State understood that IKANDA was declared wanted for many killing atrocities he has committed in Onitsha.
“Although he has those backing him up, he takes the state as though it was his personal property; that’s why he killed the deceased.”
Barrister Charles Okafor, the Counsel to the complainant, lauded the Nigerian Police Force for the arrest as well as ensuring his prosecution for murder case.
“We are looking upon the judiciary to deliver justice in this case. The Magistrate Court Onitsha has no jurisdiction to try the case.
“The only thing Chief Magistrate Amuche has power to do is to remand the accused person; after which we are coming back on 30th May 2019 for compliance.
“The remand order is to ensure that the case file is forwarded to Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for which the case would be referred to Onitsha High Court which has powers and jurisdiction to entertain murder cases,” he stated.
Present at the court were the mother, father and wife of the deceased (Ndubuisi Nwokolo), and the former chairman, Onitsha Market Amalgamated Traders Association (OMATA), Chief Godwin Okeke.
Protesters had earlier stormed the vicinity of the courtroom demanding fierce justice against Ikanda.
It would be recalled that the suspect Ikanda in broad day light on the 29th of June 2018, a young man, Ndubisi Nwokolo was allegedly murdered in cold blood by one Ikechukwu Udensi alias Ikanda and his accomplices using offensive weapons such as machetes and wood’s.
The deceased was said to be a Business Management graduate of the University of Calabar and was aged 39 before his death.
