Tragic Incident in Abagana
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four suspects, including a 21-year-old woman, for the gruesome murder of a 74-year-old wheelchair-bound woman in Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.
According to reports, the suspects allegedly burned the elderly woman to death and procured a casket to bury her remains before security operatives intervened.
Police Statement and Arrest Details
In a statement issued on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the arrests.
“The Anambra State Police operatives serving at Abagana Divisional Police Headquarters on 26/1/2024 at about 9 a.m. arrested four suspects, including a 21-year-old lady, Chinenye Ekwenugo, from Ifitedunu, over the burning of a 74-year-old woman in a wheelchair at Abagana,” Ikenga said.
The other suspects were identified as:
- Uzochukwu Okeke (47)
- Fidel Anayo (60)
- Ikenna Anene (54)
During the operation, police recovered the victim’s charred remains, her wheelchair, and the casket the suspects had arranged for burial.
Prime Suspect on the Run
SP Ikenga disclosed that the 21-year-old suspect, Chinenye Ekwenugo, confessed during interrogation that her boyfriend, Ifeanyi Igwe, who is currently at large, along with three others, participated in the crime. Efforts are underway to apprehend Ifeanyi Igwe and uncover the motive behind the heinous act.
The victim’s body has been deposited at the morgue for an autopsy, while the case has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
Police Commissioner’s Directive
Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, has called for calm and assured the public of a thorough investigation. “Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses,” Ikenga stated.
Separate Arrest of Suspected Cultist in Enugwu Ukwu
In a separate operation, the Anti-Cult Unit of the Anambra State Police Command arrested Maduka Okoye, a 25-year-old suspected cultist, at Enugwu Ukwu on Saturday.
Cult-Related Shooting in Ezichike Community
Okoye’s arrest followed credible intelligence linking him to a shooting incident in the Ezichike Community, Abagana. The police recovered three expended cartridges from the scene.
SP Ikenga revealed that the suspect confessed to being a member of the “Baggars Confraternity” and disclosed that the attack occurred while he was drinking at a beer parlour with a friend. They were reportedly attacked by members of a rival cult group, the “Axe Men Confraternity.”
Police operatives have restored calm in the area and are working to apprehend other members of both rival cult groups involved in the incident.
Assurance to Residents
The Anambra State Police Command reassured residents of its commitment to maintaining law and order and urged citizens to provide information that could aid ongoing investigations.
These incidents highlight the persistent challenges of criminal activities in Anambra State, with the police intensifying efforts to ensure justice and community safety.
