A chilling confession has emerged from a 25-year-old security guard, Godwin Mngumi, detailing his role in the brutal murder of a retired Chief Judge in Delta State. The victim, Justice Ifeoma Okogwu (Rtd), was attacked in her home in Asaba, the state capital, on November 23, 2025.
A Week on the Job, A Deadly Plan
Godwin Mngumi, who was contracted through a security company, had been employed as the retired judge's guard for barely a week and a few days before he turned against her. While being paraded before journalists, he recounted how he conspired with two others to carry out the dastardly act at her residence.
The suspect claimed their initial intention was not murder but theft. "We did not plan to kill her. We only planned to take her phone," Godwin stated during the interrogation. He explained that upon gaining access, they restrained the retired jurist. "When we got there, we tied her hands and leg, we took her phone, wristwatch, her necklace and power bank," he confessed.
The Arrest and Unraveling of the Crime
The plot unraveled when one of Godwin's accomplices, who gave his name as Nnaji, was apprehended. The deceased judge's phone was found in his possession, providing a critical lead for the police. This discovery directly linked the suspects to the crime scene and facilitated their arrest.
The case has sent shockwaves through the Asaba community and beyond, raising serious concerns about the vetting processes for security personnel employed in private homes. The fact that the perpetrator was a recently hired guard entrusted with the safety of the home he violated adds a profound layer of betrayal to the tragedy.
Community and Judicial Repercussions
The murder of Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, a respected former chief judge, represents a grievous attack on the judiciary and the sanctity of the home. The incident has sparked urgent conversations about personal security, especially for senior citizens and public figures in retirement.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to ensure all individuals involved face the full wrath of the law. The confession from Godwin Mngumi serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a planned robbery can escalate into a fatal outcome, leaving a family and community in mourning.
