THE OTAWUIKE STORY: Imo’s influential monarch Arrested for kidnapping, murder, robbery
The Otawuike Case: Imo’s Prominent Monarch Held Over Allegations of Serious Crimes
By Barth Eze & Oriaku Ijele
The Imo State Police Command has detained Eze George Uzoma, the influential traditional ruler of Owerre-Ebeiri in Orlu Local Government Area, Imo State. Known as Otawuike, Eze Uzoma, the Eze Ukwu II of Owerre-Ebeiri Ancient Kingdom, was apprehended by officers from the Tiger Base Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department in February 2024. He remains in custody in Owerri, facing serious allegations including kidnapping, murder, armed robbery, and illegal possession of firearms.
Sources within the police indicate that Uzoma was arrested at his palace based on credible intelligence. He has been held for four months without trial. Uzoma is allegedly a key figure in various criminal activities in Owerre-Ebeiri and its surroundings.
Allegations Against Eze George Uzoma
Eze Uzoma is accused of being involved in the kidnapping of Chief Casmir Uzogho, a former Accountant General of Imo State. Police investigations suggest Uzoma’s gang extorted N100 million from Uzogho, with Uzoma reportedly receiving N20 million as his share.
The gang is also implicated in the abduction of Mr. Andrew Dike in December 2021. Dike paid N5 million for his release, but his red Toyota Corolla remains missing. Additionally, Mr. Lawrence Adioha was kidnapped in 2022 while organizing a funeral, with N10 million raised for the burial stolen by his captors.
Further accusations involve the killing of Mr. Chicago, the community’s Chief Security Officer, who was branded a member of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), part of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Another alleged victim, Mr. Chimezie, was shot near Eze Uzoma’s palace. The gang is also suspected of numerous motorcycle thefts and mobile phone robberies.
**Detained Without Trial**
Investigations by Sunday Times reveal that Eze Uzoma, along with associates Sir Pius Ogeine and Mr. Emmanuel Okereke, remain in police custody with no imminent prospects of trial. Other alleged gang members, including Mr. Faith Odozor, Mr. Chijoke Okereke (Eze Orlu), and a man identified as Suwa, are currently at large.
Before these arrests, many prominent residents of Owerre-Ebeiri fled due to threats of violence. Young women in the community reportedly faced sexual harassment from Uzoma and his palace secretary, with resistance leading to severe consequences.
A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of retribution, described a community plagued by crime and terror, detailing incidents such as the abduction and murder of Mr. Chicago and the random shooting of Mr. Chimezie near Uzoma’s palace. The resident also recounted numerous instances of motorcycle and mobile phone thefts attributed to the gang.
As the investigation continues, the community waits to see if the detained individuals will face formal charges and trial for the alleged crimes.
