Police arrest four suspects in connection to murder of Ebonyi monarch ,others
From Chinedu Nwafor, Abakaliki
The police in Ebonyi State said four suspects have been arrested in connection to the murder of the traditional ruler of Umuezeokaoha Community in Ezza North LGA of the State, Chief Christopher Igboke Ewa.
The monarch was killed on 27th February 2023 at his palace by suspected assassins.
The police had accused the 2023 Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APGA) in Ebonyi State, Professor Bernard Odoh, of having hand in the murder of the monarch, leading to the declaration of Odoh wanted.
But in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ebonyi State Command, SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, on Tuesday has however confirmed that the Monarch was killed by dreaded gang of the Ayes confraternity who invaded his palace armed with AK47 riffle and other dangerous weapons.
According to the Police, the threaded 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.
The statement reads: “On 27th February, 2023 HRH Eze Christopher EWA was at his palace at Umuezeokah with his wives and children.
“On that same date at about 2045hrs a dreaded gang of the Ayes confraternity invaded the EZE palace armed with AK47 riffle 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 thirty (30)
“The threaded 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 Divisions Achiagu by one of his son’s Barr Igboke Samuel Onyema and 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 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 effort are on top gear towards tracking them down for possible arrest and further investigation.”
The statement further announced the arrest of three suspects for conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearm.
“On the 27/04/2023, a case of Conspiracy, Armed robbery, Cultism and Unlawful Possession of Firearm 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.
“Exhibits recovered: One motorcycle, three locally made pistol, six rounds of 9mmlive ammunition and two AA live cartridge
“The three Suspects Ogele Ifeanyichukwu `m`, Nwali Chukwunonso `m` and Nwokwu Emeka `m` volunteered their statement 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 been a member of the secret cult group and also has no knowledge of their activities stating that he’s only a Keke rider.
“All Suspects will be charged to Court upon completion of investigation.”
The statement reiterated the Command’s Commitment to security of Lives and Property of the good People of Ebonyi State.
