Awka elders back Ozo Jeff Nweke over kidnapping allegation

Elders in Awka community, Awka South Local Council of Anambra State, have rallied in support of Ozo Jeff Nweke, the Chief Executive Officer of Mango and Lion Properties Ltd, amid allegations of kidnapping levelled against him.

Nweke is facing a legal battle in an Anambra High Court, Awka, where he is accused, alongside others said to be at large, of kidnapping Benjamin Ezemma, Vice Chairman of Dubai Estate, on November 12, 2024. The case, with Charge No: AWK/6c/2025, has caused division among the community’s indigenes, with some alleging ulterior motives behind the accusation.

Community leader Chief Arinze Ekelem dismissed the claims as fabrications aimed at tarnishing Nweke’s reputation and gaining control of Awka’s ancestral land. Speaking to journalists, Ekelem said: “These accusations are mere fabrications by those trying to undermine Nweke and seize our community lands. He is above such criminal acts. His integrity and good relationship with the Ezinano people are well known.”

Ekelem called on security agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter, expressing confidence that the allegations would be disproven. He said: “Even if a baseless petition is submitted, the Department of State Services (DSS) must investigate. If Nweke is innocent, as we believe, he will be exonerated.”

Echoing Ekelem’s stance, Chief Richard Onuorah of the Ezinano community described Nweke as a man of integrity who has never been involved in criminal activities. Onuorah suggested the allegations were a coordinated attack by rivals seeking to undermine Nweke’s role in resolving land disputes.

He said: “This is a gang-up by enemies to tarnish his reputation and push him out of the land issues we are addressing. Nweke has always been a trusted leader. These accusations are part of a plot to create chaos and seize land that does not belong to them.”

The elders urged the Anambra State government and law enforcement agencies to ensure justice prevails and not allow what they termed “gangsterism” to disrupt peace in the community.