What began as a night of celebration at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), ended in bloodshed and sorrow, as two young men now stand accused of conspiring to take the life of another in a senseless act of violence.
The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed that Ezema Onyedikachi (27) and Ugwu Chigozie Anthony (21) were arraigned earlier this week and have been remanded in correctional custody following their alleged involvement in the murder of 29-year-old Nweze Chiebonam, during the early hours of September 13th.
The incident occurred after a bonfire night organized by the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies in the Faculty of Arts, UNN.
The event, held on Thursday, September 12th, was well-attended by students and guests, including the suspects and the deceased.
According to police reports, the tragedy unfolded around 3am shortly after the event concluded.
As attendees began dispersing, a minor car accident involving Ugwu Anthony’s vehicle and that of the deceased sparked a confrontation.
Witnesses say the altercation was heated but appeared to have been resolved at the scene, or so it seemed.
What followed has left a community in shock.
In a statement released by the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, investigations revealed that the suspects left the scene after the initial altercation, only to return later with a weapon, a dagger allegedly used in the fatal attack.
The police say that upon their return, Ezema Onyedikachi took the dagger from Ugwu Anthony during the confrontation and stabbed Nweze Chiebonam fatally in the chest.
Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Chiebonam was declared dead by the attending doctor. The dagger used in the crime has since been recovered as evidence.
The suspects have been arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder, and a judge has ordered that they be remanded in correctional custody pending further proceedings.
The arraignment marks the beginning of what is expected to be a closely watched legal case, not only for the university community but for the broader Enugu State, where youth violence remains a pressing concern.
The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, condemned the killing in strong terms, describing the incident as both “unfortunate and avoidable.”
In his statement, CP Giwa expressed deep condolences to the family of the deceased and used the moment to urge the public, especially the youth, to eschew violence and embrace peaceful conflict resolution.
“One life lost to violence is one too many,” said CP Giwa.
“We must learn to walk away, to de-escalate and to resolve disagreements with dialogue, not daggers.”
