Ex-Ebonyi LG Chair Odah Charged with Promoting Local War

Clement Omekannaya Odah, the former chairman of Ohaukwu local government area, was arraigned by the police in Ebonyi State before a Magistrates’ Court in Abakaliki. He faces a two-count charge marked HAB/508C/2026 for allegedly conspiring to promote a local war between the Effium and Ezza communities.

The alleged offenses occurred on August 19, 2026, at Effium, despite ongoing government efforts to restore peace in the area. The prosecution claims that Odah, along with others currently at large, conspired to commit a felony by promoting conflict between the two communities.

Additionally, he is accused of unlawfully advising on war against the Ezza community. The magistrate has ordered that the original case file, along with all relevant documents and evidence, be sent to the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further legal advice and prosecution.

The court has adjourned the case until September 22, 2026, for a compliance report.