An Aba South Magistrate Court in Abia State has arraigned two individuals, Chidi Onyendi (47) and Kalu Maduka (76), on multiple charges including conspiracy, the theft of a ₦14 million transformer, and issuing threats against community leaders.
The case, heard before Magistrate Erinma Maduagwu at Court 1, involves a three-count charge brought by the Commissioner of Police under Charge No: MAS/85C/2025. The defendants are accused of conspiring with others still at large to steal a 300KVA transformer, valued at ₦14 million, intended for the power supply project of the Egbelu Iheorji community in the Aba South Magisterial District.
The stolen transformer has since been recovered and is currently secured at the Aba Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force.
In addition to the theft charge, the defendants are alleged to have threatened community leaders who reported the incident. According to court filings, the accused purportedly vowed to mobilize a vigilante group against Uzoma Cheta, Chairman of the Landlord and Tenant Association, and Uche Emmanuel, an executive member, instilling fear among the complainants.
Both Onyendi and Maduka were granted bail in the sum of ₦500,000 each. Bail conditions include a three-year tax clearance and a surety who must own property within the court’s jurisdiction. However, Onyendi remains in custody pending the fulfillment of these conditions.
Community sources allege that Onyendi has a history of fraudulent dealings related to the electricity project. He is accused of collecting money from residents for transformer installation without delivering on the project and of diverting electricity bill payments, which allegedly led to power disconnection in the area.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage in the Egbelu Iheorji community, with residents demanding justice and restitution.
The matter has been adjourned to June 19, 2025, for further hearing.
