Police in Anambra State have apprehended four individuals in connection with the alleged murder of a 23-year-old woman, who was reportedly killed after her phone was used to demand a N2 million ransom from her family.
First Suspect in Custody
The primary suspect, identified as Ifechukwu Okechukwu, is currently in police custody. It remains unclear whether the ransom was paid before the victim was killed. Her remains were later discovered in a shallow grave, with sympathizers assisting in exhuming the body.
Police Statement
Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, confirmed the incident and stated that four suspects have been arrested. He praised residents for their vigilance and cooperation, which aided security agents in exposing criminal activities and apprehending offenders. Ikenga noted that the first suspect, a 33-year-old man, is being investigated for the alleged murder and secret burial of his girlfriend. The case was reported following credible information from concerned members of the public. Police operatives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) have taken over the investigation to ensure justice is served.
Additional Arrests
In a separate incident, three other suspects—Chukwudi Chukwuyere, 40; Mrs. Chisom Chukwuyere, 30; and Arum Goodluck, 16—were arrested for various offenses, including the alleged abuse of a 10-year-old boy at Odume Layout in Isiowulu. During interrogation, Mrs. Chukwuyere confessed to using burning plastic to inflict burns on the victim. The victim has received necessary care, and police are gathering evidence for prosecution.
Community Engagement in Borno
Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector General of Police Zachariah Achinyan, head of the Force Intelligence Department (FID), called on Borno State residents to assist the police with information to combat crime, assuring them of identity protection. Speaking during an operational and community engagement in Maiduguri alongside DIG Zango Baba, Achinyan emphasized the importance of public cooperation in modern policing. He stated, “As stakeholders, the police cannot work without you because we need each other. Without you, we cannot get the information we need to operate.” He urged the activation of community informants in Borno State and commended police personnel for their resilience in the challenging North-East operational environment, particularly in counter-insurgency and stabilization efforts.
