The Abia State High Court sitting in Umuahia has heard proceedings in the trial of five defendants accused of armed robbery, theft of valuables and damage to parts of a Lister generator valued at N40 million.
The defendants, Israel Ochiabuto, also known as XY; Anyaochi Peter; Kingsley Jonah; Moses Mba; and Chibueze James, are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, armed robbery and malicious damage.
The cross-examination of the third prosecution witness, Onyekachi Ochiabuto, began briefly on Thursday but was not concluded, prompting the court to adjourn the case until November 18, 2026, for its continuation.
According to the charge sheet, the alleged incident occurred on June 11, 2025, at No. 1 Akwukwaegbu Drive, Amuzukwu, within the Umuahia Judicial Division.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants, armed with guns and other dangerous weapons, entered the premises of Chief Uche Akwukwaegbu, popularly known as BAWAS.
They were accused of stealing aluminium sheets and other valuables and vandalising parts of a Lister generator valued at ₦40 million.
The defendants are charged with conspiracy under Section 6 of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act and armed robbery under Section 1(2)(a) and (b) of the same Act, alongside a count of malicious damage.
