By SUNTV Global News Desk | February 20, 2026
The Attorney General of Enugu State, Osinachi Nnajieze, has officially discontinued a controversial murder charge filed against a polytechnic graduate, Godwin Odey, in a case that has sparked fresh concerns over prolonged detention and access to justice.
The decision followed sustained pressure from civil rights organisations, including the Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN) and the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), which described the original allegation as a “trumped-up” charge and a serious miscarriage of justice.
Arrest After Wedding Trip
SUNTV gathered that Odey, an OND graduate of Banking and Finance from Benue Polytechnic, was arrested on September 20, 2025, while attempting to return to Abuja after attending a traditional marriage ceremony in Obollo-Afor, Udenu LGA.
According to eyewitness accounts cited by rights groups, Odey and his friends were intercepted during a police stop-and-search operation linked to investigations into the killing of a Catholic priest in the area.
Marijuana was allegedly discovered inside the vehicle, after which Odey was charged alongside individuals he reportedly had no prior connection with, including being accused of involvement in the priest’s murder.
He was arraigned days later before an Enugu Magistrate Court and remanded in custody.
Controversy Over ‘Review Fee’
The case drew national attention in October 2025 when advocacy groups accused the office of the then Attorney General, Kingsley Udeh, of demanding a ₦50,000 payment before accepting a petition seeking a review of the case.
In a petition addressed to Governor Peter Mbah, the organisations described the alleged demand as unlawful and a violation of citizens’ constitutional rights.
Although Udeh denied the accusation at the time, the case was not reviewed until he left office.
Murder Charge Dropped — But Freedom Still Elusive
Following a fresh review, the current Attorney General exercised his constitutional powers to discontinue the murder charge — a move widely praised by rights advocates.
However, Odey remains in custody at a facility run by the Nigerian Correctional Service over a separate charge of alleged unlawful possession of Indian hemp.
Even more troubling, according to advocacy groups, is that the drug-related case has been adjourned until November 2026 — raising fears of prolonged detention without timely trial.
Rights Groups Raise Alarm
CRRAN and RULAAC commended the Attorney General’s intervention but warned that justice could still be denied if delays persist.
They described the lengthy adjournment as a serious threat to fair trial rights and due process, pledging to continue monitoring the case closely.
Growing Debate
The incident has reignited public debate over police stop-and-search operations, alleged extortion practices, and systemic delays in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
As of the time of this report, Odey remains behind bars nearly 10 months after his arrest — despite the collapse of the most serious charge against him.
SUNTV Global will continue to follow this developing story.
