Three individuals have been arraigned before the Awka High Court in Anambra State in connection with the disappearance of billionaire businessman, Benjamin Ezemma, also known as BigBen.
Ezemma, the co-founder of Dubai Estate in Anambra, has been missing since November 12, 2024.
The defendants, Ozo Jeff Nweke, Nwokoye Tochukwu, and David Chukwuemeka, are facing charges under suit number AWK/6c/2025. They have been accused of conspiring to kidnap and subsequently abduct Ezemma. All defendants pleaded not guilty before Justice Ike Ogu.
Ozo Nweke, a prominent figure in Awka, was represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Alex Ajesieme, while OL Udemezue and AO Onyekachi represented the second and third defendants, respectively. A deputy director from the Ministry of Justice prosecuted the case.
The first defendant was brought to court from a hospital in Enugu, while the second defendant has been in detention since November 2024. The third defendant remains at large.
The prosecution sought permission to engage a private doctor to assess the first defendant’s health status, while the defense counsel for the second defendant requested bail, which the prosecution opposed.
Justice Ike Ogu ruled that the status quo be maintained, allowing the first and third defendants to remain free while the second defendant stays in custody.
The case was adjourned to March 7, 2025, for a full hearing.
