BY AGNES NWORIE, ABAKALIKI
The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the murder of a 76-year-old monarch of Umuezekoha community in Ezza North Local Government Area of the state.
The monarch, Eze Christopher Ewa, was murdered in cold-blood by unknown persons who invaded his palace on February 27, 2023.
Parading the suspects on Tuesday at the state headquarters in Abakaliki, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police, Onome Onovwakpoyeya, alleged, “On that same date at about 2045hrs, a dreaded gang of the Ayes confraternity invaded the Eze palace armed with AK47 rifle and other dangerous weapons, led by one Nnabuike Emmanuel Egede ‘m’ (aka Champaign); Chukwudi Aliewa ‘m’; Obinna Igwe ‘m’ (aka Nwampepe); Okechukwu Nwamgbegbu ‘m’ and others numbering 30.
“The dreaded hoodlums gained access into the highly fortified palace through the fence and on sighting the Eze, shot at him severally and abandoned him in a pool of his blood to die, after which they fled into hiding.
“Sequel to the attack and gruesome murder of HRH Eze Christopher Igboke Ewa, an official report was made at Ezza North Police Division, Achiagu by one of his son’s, Barrister Igboke Samuel Onyema, and the case was later transferred to SCID Abakaliki for discreet investigation.
“As soon as the case was transferred, operatives swiftly swung into action, which led to the arrest of the above four male suspects. The arrested suspects were interrogated and they have made useful statements confessing to the crime.
“The suspects in their various confessions mentioned some of their cohorts currently at large who participated actively in the crime. Meanwhile, efforts are on top gear towards tracking them down for possible arrest and further investigation.”
The Command also paraded four suspects for alleged conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms.
“On the 27/04/2023, a case of conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms was reported by one Abel Ogudu ‘m’ and Friday Ogodo ‘m’ of Ogharugo Umuohare in Ezza North LGA against one Ogele Ifeanyi ‘m’ AKA INASUKI, Nwali Chukwunonso John ‘m’ AKA SMART, Igwe Ndubisi ‘m’ and Nwokwu Emeka ‘m’.
“As soon as the case was reported, the operatives swiftly made an arrest of the three suspects and exhibits were recovered. The exhibits recovered are one motorcycle, three locally made pistols, six rounds of 9 mmlive ammunition and two AA live cartridges.
“The three suspects, Ogele Ifeanyichukwu `m`, Nwali Chukwunonso `m` and Nwokwu Emeka `m` volunteered their statements and confessed that they are members of a secret cult group called Neo Black Movement (NBM) but denied the fact that they snatched any motorcycle from the complainant, Friday Ogodo`m` on 26/04/2023 as alleged.
“The suspects also confessed that the exhibits recovered in their possession were their properties, and the exhibits were usually kept in custody of Ogele Ifeanyichukwu who is their exhibit keeper.
“One of the suspects, Igwe Ndubisi `m` denied being a member of the secret cult group and also has no knowledge of their activities stating that he is only a Keke rider. All suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigation.”
The Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, Faleye S. Olaleye, has reiterated the Command’s commitment to security of lives and property of the people of the state.
