Three individuals have been arraigned before the Awka High Court in Anambra State in connection with the disappearance of billionaire businessman, Benjamin Ezemma, popularly known as BigBen.
Ezemma, co-founder of Dubai Estate in Anambra, has been missing since November 12, 2024.
The defendants, identified as Ozo Jeff Nweke, Nwokoye Tochukwu, and David Chukwuemeka, were charged under suit number AWK/6c/2025.
During the court proceedings, the two-count charge accused the defendants of conspiring to kidnap and subsequently abduct Ezemma.
They all pleaded not guilty before the presiding judge, Justice Ike Ogu.
Ozo Nweke, a well-known figure in Awka, was represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Alex Ajesieme, while OL Udemezue and AO Onyekachi represented the second and third defendants, respectively.
A deputy director from the Ministry of Justice prosecuted the case.
The first defendant was broug
ht to court from a hospital in Enugu, while the second defendant has been in detention since November 2024.
The third defendant remains at large.
The prosecution requested permission to engage a private doctor to assess the first defendant’s health status, while the counsel for the second defendant sought bail, which the prosecution opposed.
Justice Ike Ogu ruled that the status quo be maintained—allowing the first and third defendants to remain free while the second defendant stays in custody.
The case was adjourned to March 7, 2025, for a full hearing.