The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the shocking assassination of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, whose body was discovered in her Asaba residence under violent circumstances that have sent waves of tension across the state capital.
Brutal Discovery in Asaba Home
Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, an Asaba-born former judicial officer, was found dead late on Sunday night at her residence located behind The Pointer Newspapers in Asaba. Police investigations reveal that the retired judge's legs and hands were bound, and her house showed clear signs of being ransacked, indicating a targeted violent attack that has left the community in shock.
The grim discovery was made on Monday morning, with family members and authorities presuming the incident occurred during the night hours. The scene suggested a professional operation aimed specifically at the retired judicial officer, raising serious concerns about the safety of public figures in the region.
Mysterious Disappearance of Security Guard
A crucial development complicating the investigation is the mysterious disappearance of the night security guard assigned to protect Justice Okogwu's residence. According to reports, the guard vanished shortly after the incident, creating strong suspicions of possible complicity in the brutal crime.
Ogbueshi Godfrey Okogwu, the victim's brother, expressed the family's anguish and confusion about the security lapse. "My eldest sister was murdered in her house on Sunday night. We only received the news on Monday morning, so we presume the incident happened during the night," he stated.
He highlighted the concerning behavior of the security personnel: "A major red flag is the disappearance of the night security guard. The morning guard claimed he met the gate wide open when he arrived. He said he simply sat there. Sat there doing what? I do not know. I do not understand this situation at all."
The family has provided police with details of the private security company responsible for the guards. Police have detained the morning guard and summoned the owner of the security outfit to report to the station, though compliance remains uncertain at this early stage.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
Police Public Relations Officer Bright Edafe confirmed the security developments, stating: "Some of the security are in police custody while one of them is at large." The Delta State Police Command has launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Justice Okogwu's death, with multiple angles being pursued simultaneously.
In a related development highlighting the region's security challenges, two suspects were arrested in Akure, Ondo State, for allegedly stabbing a police officer to death during an altercation. The officer, who had recently been transferred from the Anti-Cultism Unit to B-Division, was attacked and later died in hospital despite receiving urgent medical attention.
Police spokesperson Olayinka Ayanlade provided details: "An altercation ensued between the officer and some recalcitrant individuals, during which the officer was tragically stabbed. This unfortunate event triggered an immediate and coordinated police response. Acting swiftly, the Commissioner of Police deployed a team of operatives to the scene, resulting in the arrest of two suspects directly connected to the incident."
The Delta State Police Command has reassured the public of its commitment to ensuring justice and maintaining public safety, promising thorough investigations into both the murder of Justice Okogwu and other violent incidents occurring throughout the region.
Context of Rising Regional Insecurity
This tragic incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing security concerns in Delta State and surrounding regions. Just days before Justice Okogwu's murder, gunmen targeted the convoy of former Anambra State Governor, Dr. Chris Ngige, along the Nkpor–Nnobi Road in Idemili North Local Government Area.
That attack resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries, further emphasizing the deteriorating security situation affecting both public figures and ordinary citizens across Nigeria's southern regions.
The Delta State Police Command continues to appeal to the public for any information that might assist their investigations, while the family of Justice Okogwu awaits conclusive answers about the circumstances surrounding her brutal murder.
