Three Charged in Disappearance of Anambra Billionaire

Anambra Billionaire Benjamin Ezemma: Three Arraigned

On February 20, 2025, three individuals were arraigned before the Awka High Court in Anambra State in connection with the disappearance of billionaire businessman Benjamin Ezemma, co-founder of Dubai Estate in Awka. Ezemma, popularly known as “BigBen,” has been missing since November 12, 2024.

The defendants—Ozo Jeff Nweke, Nwokoye Tochukwu, and David Chukwuemeka—are charged under suit number AWK/6c/2025 with conspiracy and kidnapping. During the arraignment, all three pleaded not guilty to the charges. Justice Ike Ogu ordered that two of the defendants be released, while Nwokoye Tochukwu was remanded in custody. The case has been adjourned to March 7, 2025.

In the months following Ezemma’s disappearance, his wife, Tochukwu, publicly criticized the Anambra State Government and security agencies for their perceived inaction, describing a “conspiracy of silence” surrounding the case. She urged authorities to intensify efforts to locate her husband.

The incident has sparked widespread concern, with human rights activists like Osita Obi threatening mass protests over the rising number of unresolved missing person cases in Anambra State. Obi emphasized the urgency of addressing these incidents to prevent further occurrences.