Enugu Media Village (EMV), the Most Updated Online News Platform — October 16, 2026.
THE Nigeria Police Force has filed a six-count criminal charge against four individuals over the alleged forgery of the constitution governing the selection of the traditional ruler of Nkpor community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The defendants are Sunday Uche Nwaofia, also known as Atunani; Patrick Ajemba; Onuorah Anigbogu; and Ekene Okolo. According to reports published by Premium Times on October 13 and TheCable on October 12, the charges were filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The allegations include forgery, perjury, criminal conspiracy and conduct relating to a breach of the peace. The case stems from a dispute over the authenticity of documents said to regulate the process of selecting the community’s next traditional ruler, known as the Igwe.
How the Dispute Emerged
The Nkpor traditional leadership crisis dates back to 2016, following the death of the community’s former traditional ruler, Christopher Ibegbuna.
Following his death, competing interests within the Ezenaubosi Royal Dynasty of Umusiome village reportedly advanced claims over the right to produce the next traditional ruler.
The disagreement intensified after different versions of the community’s constitution emerged, with the competing documents becoming central to the dispute over the succession process.
What the Police Allegedly Found
According to Premium Times, the Nkpor Royal Dynasty petitioned the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja, requesting an investigation into allegations that the four defendants had relied on a forged version of the community’s constitution.
The petitioners alleged that the disputed document was presented in connection with a civil case identified as Suit No. HID/72/2026, in an effort to prevent the Anambra State Government from recognising Stanley Okeke as the traditional ruler-designate of Nkpor.
The police subsequently reported that forensic examination revealed significant discrepancies between the disputed document and an original constitution dated July 4, 1982, which was reportedly held by the state government and registered at the National Archives in Enugu.
The police investigation reportedly concluded that a prima facie case had been established against the four individuals, leading to the filing of the criminal charges.
These findings represent the police’s position and allegations contained in the case; they do not constitute a judicial determination of guilt.
Anambra Government’s Position
In its response to the earlier civil proceedings, the Anambra State Government reportedly described the version of the community constitution relied upon by the plaintiffs as “false, not extant, and not valid.”
The position was contained in a statement of defence signed by the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, according to the published reports.
The dispute has therefore involved both civil proceedings over the applicable community constitution and separate criminal proceedings arising from allegations about the authenticity of the documents.
Court Proceedings Await Hearing Date
As of the latest reports reviewed for this publication, no hearing date had been fixed for the criminal case.
The court proceedings are expected to provide the judicial forum for considering the charges and evidence presented by the prosecution, alongside any defence advanced by the accused persons.
The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Implications for Nkpor Community
The dispute highlights the potential consequences of disagreements over traditional succession procedures, particularly when competing claims over community constitutions lead to prolonged litigation and criminal allegations.
For Nkpor residents and other stakeholders, the resolution of the dispute through lawful procedures will be important to establishing clarity around the traditional leadership succession process and reducing the risk of further tensions.
The case also underscores the importance of maintaining authentic community records, following recognised customary procedures and resolving disagreements through established legal channels.
Enugu Media Village (EMV), the Most Updated Online News Platform, will continue to monitor the proceedings and report verified developments as the case progresses.