Suspected cultist arraigned for torturing man to death during initiation in Ebonyi

Mr. Nwali Kingsley, aged 32 years, has been arraigned on Tuesday in an Abakaliki Magistrate Court for allegedly torturing one Nwafor Johnson, to death during cult initiation.

The deceased, Johnson Nwafor, was said to have been thrown into a river by the suspect and his gang.

The suspect and other at large, allegedly tortured another victim, one Chigbo Ugbala, with stick and machete, while initiating him to their fraternity.

The incident took place on July 10, 2020 at Ekeugwu-Azuinyaba Secondary School, Azuinyaba, in Ishielu Local Government Area of the State.

The suspect was arraigned on four count-charge of murder, conspiracy, cultism and unlawful possession of arms.

ASP Eze Nnabuaku, the Police prosecutor told the Court that the offences were punishable under sections 516A (a), 319 (1) and 335 of the Criminal Code Cap. 33, Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria.

The charge reads, “That you Nwali Kingsley ‘m’ and others now at large on the 10th day of July , 2020, at Ekeugwu-Azuinyaba Secondary School, Ishielu LGA, in the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire amongst yourselves to commit felony to wit: Murder/grievous harm/cultism and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 516A (a) of the Criminal Code Cap. 33, Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009.

“That you Nwali Kingsley ‘m’ and others now at large on the same date and place, in the aforementioned Magisterial District did murder one Nwafor Johnson ‘m’ and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 319 (1) of the Criminal Code Cap. 33, Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009.

“That you Nwali Kingsley ‘m’ and others now at large on the same date and place, in the aforementioned Magisterial District did unlawfully do grievous harm to one Chigbo Ugbala ‘m’ by flogging him with machete and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 335 of the Criminal Code Cap. 33, Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009.”

“That you Nwali Kingsley ‘m’ and others now at large on the same date and place and in the aforementioned Magisterial District did belong to a secret cult group known as “Ayes Confraternity” and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 3 (1), (3) and 4 (1) punishable under section 5 of Ebonyi State Law prohibiting secret cult activities and carrying of offensive weapon in Ebonyi State, Cap. 12, Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009.”

The suspect, admitted after listening to charge, as he was not represented by any Lawyer.

He said: “I was lured into the act by my friends, who have all run away. Please, have mercy on me.” (Daily Independent)