By Emeka Chiaghanam
Kingsley Ogbonnaya, a suspect
standing trial over the 2020 murder of University of Benin student Chinenye
Promise Nwoye, has been moved from the Awka Correctional Centre to Ekwulobia
following concerns over his conduct in custody.
A source familiar with the development said Ogbonnaya was
transferred after allegedly attempting to initiate fellow inmates into his cult
group and displaying other unruly behaviour while detained at the Awka
facility.
The transfer has, however, created fresh challenges for the
ongoing murder case. With the courts currently on vacation, the suspect’s
movement is said to have affected the prosecution and could make bringing him
from Ekwulobia to an Awka court more expensive.
The source said Ogbonnaya was still being held at Ekwulobia
when the facility was recently visited, adding that his relocation had
contributed to delays in producing him for proceedings. There are also concerns
he could be moved outside Anambra if problems continue.
Francis Ekezie, spokesman for the Nigerian Correctional
Service in Anambra, confirmed the transfer but described it as part of
“administrative proceedings”. He said the service would ensure Ogbonnaya is
brought before the court whenever his presence is required.
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