A 40-year-old man, Emmanuel Nwedu, in community of Ugboenyim in Ebonyi State, was arraigned before Magistrates’ Court 11 in Abakaliki on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, for allegedly murdering his uncle, Godwin Nwedu, and engaging in a horrifying act of drinking the victim’s blood after the killing.
According to the prosecution, the alleged crime took place on May 24, 2025, in Ugboenyim, located within the Ebonyi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
During the court session, Senior State Counsel, Emmanuel Alo, representing the prosecution, told the court that the defendant, Emmanuel Nwedu, struck his uncle on the forehead with a stick, leading to the victim’s death. The act, described as both violent and ritualistic, has deeply unsettled residents and drawn widespread public concern.
Following the assault, Nwedu allegedly proceeded to drink the blood of the deceased, a claim that has not only intensified the gravity of the case but also raised fears of possible occult practices or psychological instability. The precise motivation behind the crime has yet to be officially established.
During the hearing, it was noted that the plea of the defendant was not taken. This is consistent with Nigerian legal procedures in capital offences like murder, which fall outside the jurisdiction of magistrate courts. Consequently, such cases are usually transferred to the High Court for full trial.
Furthermore, it was observed that Emmanuel Nwedu lacked legal representation at the time of arraignment, raising concerns about his access to fair legal defense. The court may need to ensure legal aid is provided if the defendant remains unrepresented.
The charge brought against Nwedu is for an offence punishable under Section 319 (1) (corrected from Section 329 (1), assuming typographical error) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 33, Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State of 2009, which prescribes capital punishment—potentially life imprisonment or the death penalty—for anyone convicted of murder.
After presenting the facts, Prosecuting Counsel Emmanuel Alo submitted the original case file and prayed the court to order the remand of the defendant pending further legal actions.
Chief Magistrate Chinedu Agama granted the request and issued an order that the defendant be remanded at the Federal Correctional Centre in Abakaliki.
Recognizing the seriousness of the charge and the limitations of the magistrate court’s jurisdiction, Magistrate Agama also directed that the matter be transferred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The DPP is expected to conduct a comprehensive review of the case, provide legal advice, and possibly file a formal charge before a higher court.
The matter was adjourned until June 11, 2025, to allow time for the prosecution to comply with the court’s directive and for the DPP’s office to take over the case. On the adjourned date, the court expects a compliance report detailing the progress of the transfer and updates on the legal status of the defendant.
This case has attracted significant public attention, not only due to its gruesome and ritualistic nature, but also because it raises broader societal concerns, including the mental state of the accused, rural justice systems, and potential ritual violence.
The legal process is expected to continue under the oversight of the DPP, with investigations possibly expanding to uncover any underlying motives or accomplices.
The outcome of the DPP’s review will determine whether the case proceeds to the Ebonyi State High Court for trial and what specific charges will be pursued.