An Onitsha Magistrate Court, presided over by Her Worship Ukamaka B. Okoye, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of three men accused of unlawfully destroying a property valued at N200 million.
The accused—Ifeanyichukwu Chiekwu (45), Ostia Okoro (42), and Ugochukwu Mbaekwe (52)—are standing trial for allegedly pulling down a seven-room duplex under construction belonging to Okechukwu Elowue.
During Thursday’s hearing, the prosecuting officer, ASP Hassan Ochoofu, informed the court that the defendants had evaded service of the police charge sheet and refused to accept court hearing notices, deliberately frustrating proceedings.
Lawyers representing Chiekwu and Mbaekwe submitted medical reports from recognized hospitals, claiming their clients were unfit to attend court. Magistrate Okoye, however, rejected the reports, describing the excuses as repetitive and insufficient to justify non-appearance.
ASP Ochoofu further alleged that the accused had attempted to intimidate the complainant and were unlikely to attend trial unless compelled.
Following the submissions, the court granted the prosecution’s request and issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the trio. The matter has been adjourned to November 4, 2025, for further hearing.
