APF urges security agencies to probe Chukwudi Ezenma in Big Ben Kidnap case

Maduako Igbokwe I Thursday, January 30, 2025

 

AWKA, Nigeria – The Awka Progressives Forum (APF), a group of Awka Patriots and Professionals, has called on the Anambra State Police Command and the Department of State Security Services (DSS) to urgently extend their investigation into the alleged kidnapping of Ben Ezemma, aka Big Ben, Vice Chairman of Durbai Estate.

The incident occurred on November 12, 2024. The forum has also demanded that the investigation be expanded to include Chukwudi Ezenma, Chairman of Durbai Estate, and other associates of the missing person.

It was reported that on November 13, 2024, the wife of Mr. Ezemma wrote to the DSS, alleging that her husband, who was staying at Maxbe Hotel in Awka, called her at approximately 6:25 p.m. to inform her about a meeting with one Loco regarding land matters.

She stated that her husband had not been seen since that call. She also said that on the day he disappeared, he had met with Ozo Jeff Nweke at the Mango and Lion Properties building in Awka.

Following this, the DSS filed a lawsuit in the High Court of Justice, Awka, involving some individuals, including Ozo Jeff Nweke as an interested party, after conducting preliminary investigations.

In a statement issued in Awka on Wednesday, the APF expressed its concern about the situation and emphasized the importance of extending the investigation to include the associates of Mr. Ben Ezemma.

This would help uncover the truth behind his disappearance on November 12, after he spoke with his wife and some associates at Maxbe Hotel before leaving to meet Loco, as mentioned by his wife in her petition.

The statement, signed by Ken Igwedimma and Chinwuko Ibeabuchi, Chairman and Secretary respectively, called for a thorough and impartial investigation to avoid any witch-hunting or miscarriage of justice.

The Forum explained that it had decided to speak out after noticing several unsigned Facebook comments aimed at discrediting Ozo Jeff Nweke and tarnishing his reputation in the eyes of the public. The statement expressed concern that such unverified comments could divert attention from the matter at hand, urging security agencies to intensify their efforts and conduct a diligent investigation.

The statement read, “Such malicious remarks, in our view, amount to character assassination of Ozo Jeff Nweke, a media trial before the case is even heard, and an attempt to portray him in a negative light before the public. Our investigations, after reviewing the unsigned Facebook post, showed that the claims made were doubtful and inconsistent with the character of Ozo Jeff Nweke, whom we know as a philanthropist and advocate for the oppressed and less privileged. His goal has always been to contribute to the development of Ezinano community and Awka in general using his hard-earned resources.”

The statement also recalled that in December 2024, Ozo Nweke, a private security expert, had pledged a ₦10 million bounty for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the deaths of over 16 people during the new yam festival in the neighboring Nibo community. Additionally, on behalf of Ezinano community, he had donated ₦100 million to support women and widows, helping them engage in meaningful ventures for the development of society. Ozo Nweke is quoted as saying, “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.”

The APF expressed surprise at the ongoing campaign against Ozo Nweke and questioned why the writer chose to remain anonymous if their intentions were not malicious. The Forum urged those behind the faceless Facebook posts to redirect their efforts toward helping solve the mystery of Benjamin Ezemma’s disappearance on November 12, 2024, as reported by his wife, for a positive outcome.