Students in Cork city were told their fingers would be chopped off if they didn't hand over cash, court hears

Two students who were victims of an aggravated burglary carried out by two armed men were told that their fingers would be chopped off if they did not hand over cash and drugs at the house, it was alleged today.

Detective Garda Eoghain O’Callaghan arrested Martin Ekhosuehi of Willow Gardens, Brooklodge, Glanmire, County Cork, and charged him with aggravated burglary at Highfield Avenue, College Road, Cork, two counts of assault causing harm and two more of making threats to kill or cause serious injury.

The detective objected to bail being granted to the 22-year-old at Cork District Court. One of the grounds for the objection to bail was the seriousness of the alleged incident.

“At 7 p.m. on July 2 2023 two young men at Highfield Avenue, College Road, Cork, had to run to a neighbour’s house to raise the alarm. They said two men had come through the front door by force.

“One of them was wearing an all-black tracksuit, black ski-mask, blue latex gloves and had a large chef’s knife with black handle. The second man was also wearing a black tracksuit, black gloves and had a flathead screwdriver and was carrying a backpack.

“Both were demanding money. They then proceeded to ransack the house, demanding to know where cocaine and cash were located.

“They were held at knifepoint and instructed to assist in the search. They got numerous punches to the head.

“One of them threatened both men saying he would start cutting their fingers off.

“They took €30 in cash and took the phones from them. Both fled by the backdoor of the property. A glove was left behind and was forensically examined and found to have a fingerprint matching Martin Ekhosuehi. He was also nominated as a suspect by two gardaí who examined CCTV,” the detective said.

Frank Buttimer solicitor argued that the case goes back to 2023 and that bail should be granted. He said the defendant was living at home and in employment. 

Judge Philip O’Leary asked why it had taken until April 2025 for the matter to come to court. Sergeant John Dineen said that after the evidence from the glove had come to light it had taken some time to generate the DNA profile.

Judge O’Leary said, “These are very serious charges - I am shocked at the nature of the allegations but there is a presumption in relation to bail and my job is in relation to bail. I am going to grant him bail on strict conditions.” 

Those conditions consist of signing on Monday and Friday at Mayfield garda station, surrendering his passport to An Garda Síochána, providing a phone number at which he is contactable, and having no contact direct or indirect with injured parties or witnesses.

Sergeant John Dineen said the Director of Public Prosecutions directed prosecution on indictment or a signed plea of guilty followed by sentencing at the circuit court. 

Mr Buttimer said, “a book of evidence will be necessary.” 

Judge O’Leary adjourned the case until May 27 to allow time for preparation and service of the book of evidence.