Man Remanded Following Shocking Accusation of Killing and Blood-DrinkingA 40-year-old man, Mr. Emmanuel Nwedu, has been remanded in custody following his arraignment at the Abakaliki Magistrates’ Court II in connection with the alleged murder of his uncle, Mr. Godwin Nwedu. The incident, which has shocked residents of the Ugboenyim community in Ebonyi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, reportedly occurred on May 24, 2025.
According to details provided by the prosecuting counsel, Senior State Counsel Mr. Emmanuel Alo, the accused allegedly used a stick to strike his uncle on the forehead, resulting in the victim’s death. Following this violent act, it was further alleged that the suspect drank the victim’s blood at the scene—a horrifying detail that has added a deeply disturbing layer to an already tragic event.
During the court proceedings held on Tuesday, the accused appeared without legal representation. His plea was not taken, as the matter is considered a capital offence and is expected to be transferred to a higher court for appropriate trial. The courtroom remained silent as the prosecuting counsel explained the gravity of the charges against the accused. Mr. Emmanuel Alo, the Senior State Counsel, told the court that the actions of the defendant constituted an offence punishable under Section 329(1) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 33, Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State of 2009. He urged the court to ensure the man remanded in custody at the Federal Correctional Centre in Abakaliki, pending further legal action.
Man Remanded Over Alleged Murder of Uncle in Ebonyi
The presiding magistrate, Chief Magistrate Chinedu Agama, ruled in favour of the prosecution’s request. He ordered that Mr. Emmanuel Nwedu, the man remanded in connection with the alleged murder, be held in the correctional facility. He also directed that the case file be transferred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further investigation and formal prosecution at the appropriate judicial level.
The magistrate subsequently adjourned the case until June 11, 2025, for a compliance report regarding the transfer to the DPP and to ensure the necessary legal procedures are followed before the matter proceeds to the High Court.
The incident has drawn widespread attention and outrage from the local community. Residents of Ugboenyim described the accused and the victim as having had longstanding disagreements, although no one expected it would escalate to such a gruesome act. The alleged drinking of the victim’s blood has particularly stirred fears and revulsion, prompting calls for a thorough investigation not only into the murder but also into the psychological state of the man remanded in connection with the crime.
While police investigations into the motive and circumstances surrounding the crime are still ongoing, sources within the community and the local law enforcement have confirmed that the accused was arrested shortly after the incident. Eyewitnesses claim he was found at the scene of the crime, showing signs of instability and refusing to flee or resist arrest. The man remanded is currently in custody as authorities continue to gather evidence and assess his mental state in connection with the brutal act.
Legal analysts have pointed out that under Nigerian criminal law, murder cases are not triable at the magistrate level. This explains why the court could not take the defendant’s plea and why the matter must be transferred to the DPP and subsequently to the High Court, where a full criminal trial can be conducted. If convicted, the accused could face the maximum penalty under Nigerian law, which includes the possibility of a life sentence or capital punishment, depending on the findings of the court.
The case highlights broader concerns over mental health, conflict resolution, and the criminal justice system’s capacity to handle violent crimes in rural communities. Authorities have assured the public that due process will be followed and that justice will be served. Meanwhile, the Ebonyi State Ministry of Justice has pledged to monitor the case closely to ensure transparency and the protection of victims’ rights, particularly in high-profile cases such as that of the man remanded for allegedly murdering his uncle.
As the date for the next hearing approaches, all eyes will remain on the case, with both legal professionals and members of the public awaiting further developments in what is shaping up to be one of the most chilling criminal cases in Ebonyi State in recent years. The phrase ” Man Remanded ” has quickly become synonymous with a crime that shocked an entire community and raised pressing questions about safety, sanity, and justice.
Source- Punch