Abia monarch denies blocking woman’s burial after 15 months in mortuary, threatens suit

The Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers and monarch of AtaIgbo Ukwu, Umuzomgbo, Ihechiowa, Arochukwu LGA, Eze Linus Nto Mbah, has denied preventing a resident of the community, Mr Elijah Ndubuisi Amah, from  burying his late wife, Mrs Nkechi Florence Elijah.

The traditional ruler was reacting to an online report where the husband of the late woman alleged that Eze Nto Mbah prevented the burial of his late wife, whom he said died on April 9, 2025.

A news platform had reported that Mr Amah begged for help from the Abia State government, alleging that his problem with the monarch stemmed from his demand for transparency and accountability in his community’s affairs.

But reacting to the allegations, Eze Linus Nto Mbah described the story as malicious and a falsehood designed to tarnish his reputation.

He explained that it was the Umuzomgbo community Chiefs and the President General who told Elijah Amah to report himself to the Police following some  allegations by community members that he was responsible for his wife’s death.

The Monarch said Amah refused to report himself to the Police as directed by the Chiefs and the President General, noting that his refusal prompted the members of Umuzomgbo community to invite the Police to investigate the cause of the woman’s death.

Eze Mbah explained that the Mayor of Arochukwu Local Government Area and security agencies were also informed about the matter.

He pointed out that Policemen from Arochukwu Division arrested Mr Elijah Amah and sent him to the Criminal Investigation Department, CID, Umuahia for investigation, noting that a request by the Police to conduct an autopsy on the late wife of Amah was rejected by the husband, even when the money for the autopsy was provided.

Eze Mbah threatened to sue the person behind the online publication for allegedly defaming him.