An Abia State Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Umuahia has ordered parties involved in a dispute over approximately 100 hectares of ancestral land in Isuikwuato to maintain peace.

Chief Magistrate Ngozi Lekwa issued the order during the hearing of a criminal case involving three members of Asunkpa Umuokombo Acha Autonomous Community.

The case, Commissioner of Police v. Royal Nwankwo, Chimezie Elekwe Martins and Kelechi Azubuike Onuoha, is registered as Charge No. MIS/33C/2024.

The defendants, aged 49, 45 and 40, face a six-count charge involving alleged conspiracy, threats of violence, trespass, intimidation and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Dispute Over Ancestral Land

The case followed a petition submitted by a community elder, Anthony Imo Nwankwo, to the Abia State Commissioner of Police.

The dispute concerns competing claims over the ownership and proposed sharing of about 100 hectares of ancestral land. The parties reportedly claim ownership through their family lineages.

According to the charge sheet, the alleged offences occurred in September 2022 at Asunkpa Umuokombo Acha Autonomous Community.

Court Sets October 22 for Further Hearing

At the previous hearing, Nwankwo testified as the first prosecution witness.

The second prosecution witness is expected to testify when the case resumes on October 22, 2026.

Following submissions by prosecution and defence counsel, Goodwill Nwokeiwu, the Chief Magistrate directed all parties to avoid actions capable of escalating the dispute.

The order is intended to preserve peace while the court continues hearing the case.

The court has not determined the defendants’ guilt, and they remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

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