Murder Suspect Transferred Over Alleged Cult Recruitment In Prison

By Joseph Egbeocha |Ichie Times

A murder suspect standing trial for the 2020 killing of a University of Benin undergraduate, Chinenye Promise Nwoye, has reportedly been transferred from Awka Correctional Centre to Ekwulobia Correctional Centre over alleged attempts to initiate fellow inmates into his cult group and other unruly conduct.

The suspect, Kingsley Ogbonnaya, was reportedly moved following concerns over his conduct at the Awka facility, where he had been held pending the determination of his trial.

A reliable source said the transfer had stalled proceedings in the case, adding that bringing the suspect from Ekwulobia to Awka for court appearances would increase the cost of producing him for trial.

“The last I went to Ekwulobia, I saw him there. He is still there. And this movement has stalled the trial in court,” the source said.

The source further indicated that the suspect could be transferred to another state if his alleged misconduct continued.

Confirming the development, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Anambra State, Francis Ekezie, said Ogbonnaya was transferred on “administrative proceedings.”

Ekezie, however, assured that the suspect would be produced in court whenever required for the continuation of his trial.