The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four suspects, including 21-year-old Chinyere Ekwenugo, in connection with the horrific murder of a 74-year-old wheelchair user in Ifitedenu. The police identified Ekwenugo as the girlfriend of Ifeanyi Igwe, the prime suspect who is currently at large.
Other suspects arrested include Uzochukwu Okeke (47), Fidel Anayo (60), and Ikenna Anene (54), all from Abagana.
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Details of the Crime
According to the state police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the crime occurred at around 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 27, 2025. The victim was reportedly set ablaze, and her charred remains, along with her wheelchair and a casket intended for her burial, were recovered at the crime scene.
Chinyere Ekwenugo confessed that her boyfriend, Ifeanyi Igwe, and three other suspects were responsible for the act. The suspects allegedly planned to bury the victim in the casket before security operatives intervened.
The police have launched a manhunt for the fleeing prime suspect, Igwe, while investigations are ongoing to uncover further details about the crime.
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Police Actions and Statement
SP Ikenga confirmed that the body of the deceased has been deposited in a morgue for autopsy, and the case has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
Commissioner of Police Nnaghe Itam called for calm and assured the public of a thorough investigation to ensure justice for the victim.
Related Arrests in Abagana
In a separate operation, the police arrested a 25-year-old man, Maduka Okoye, suspected to be a member of the Baggars Confraternity. The suspect was apprehended in Enugwu Ukwu on Saturday, January 26, following a shooting incident in the Ezichike community of Abagana.
Police recovered three spent cartridges from a pump-action gun and noted that Okoye had confessed to involvement in the cult group. The timely intervention of law enforcement reportedly averted a potential clash between rival cult groups in the area.