In a political dispute, an Abakaliki Magistrate Court has remanded Augustine Nwazunku, former acting chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi, along with three others, on charges of cultism, forgery, and impersonation.
They are accused of issuing a fake suspension letter against PDP’s South-East National Vice Chairman, Ali Odefa.
Nwazunku, along with Obinna Nwachukwu, Njoku Nwagu, and Ogbonnaya Idika, allegedly forged a letter claiming Odefa was suspended by PDP members in Ogudu-Okwor Ward. At a press conference, they presented themselves as ward executives, but Odefa dismissed the suspension as “null and void.”
After Odefa’s petition, the four were arrested and brought to court on Tuesday. Magistrate Ojemba Isu-Oko denied their bail and ordered them to remain in custody until 18 November. They are also accused of being members of the Vikings Confraternity, a banned group.
Herbert Ovuta, claiming to be acting chairman of the Ogudu-Okwor Ward, accused Odefa of orchestrating the arrests, alleging Odefa led a violent raid on party members’ homes and falsely charged them to destabilize the PDP in favor of the ruling APC. Ovuta urged Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun to ensure a fair investigation and trial.
