The High Court in Awka, Anambra State, has arraigned three individuals in connection with the disappearance of billionaire businessman Benjamin Ezemma, widely known as BigBen.
Ezemma, a co-founder of Dubai Estate in Anambra, has been missing since November 12, 2024. The suspects—Ozo Jeff Nweke, Nwokoye Tochukwu, and David Chukwuemeka—were brought before the court under suit number AWK/6c/2025.
The prosecution accused them of conspiring to kidnap and abduct Ezemma. However, all three pleaded not guilty before Justice Ike Ogu.
Ozo Nweke, a prominent figure in Awka, was represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Alex Ajesieme, while lawyers OL Udemezue and AO Onyekachi defended the second and third defendants, respectively. A deputy director from the Ministry of Justice led the prosecution.
Notably, the first defendant was brought to court from a hospital in Enugu, while the second defendant has been in custody since November 2024. The third accused remains on the run.
During the proceedings, the prosecution sought permission to allow a private doctor to evaluate the first defendant’s health. Meanwhile, the defense counsel for the second accused applied for bail, which the prosecution opposed.
Justice Ogu ruled that the current status be maintained permitting the first and third defendants to remain free while the second remains in detention.
The case was adjourned to March 7, 2025, for a full hearing.
