By Abigail Philip David
The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 33-year-old man, Ikechukwu Okoye, and his 39-year-old girlfriend, Juliet Ogbodo, for allegedly kidnapping and murdering a 70-year-old woman, Mrs. Mary Nwatu.
The suspects, both from Onuorie-Obuno in Akpugo Community, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, are accused of killing the victim and burying her in a shallow grave before demanding a ransom of ₦6 million from her children.
Arrest and Investigation
The police apprehended the suspects after they accepted a ₦20,000 payment from the victim’s family, purportedly to facilitate a phone call with Mrs. Nwatu.
In a statement released Thursday night, the police spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed that the arrest was carried out by the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad following credible intelligence.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Mrs. Nwatu was reported missing on September 15, 2024.
“On October 5, 2024, the principal suspect, Ikechukwu Okoye, contacted the victim’s children, demanding a ransom of ₦6 million,” Ndukwe said.
Confession and Crime Details
Okoye, who is a relative of the victim, reportedly confessed to the crime after his arrest.
“He admitted to abducting Mrs. Nwatu on September 14, 2024, at about 8 a.m. when she came to their house looking for his mother,” Ndukwe disclosed.
The suspect further confessed to killing her and burying her in a shallow grave inside an uncompleted building within their compound.
Okoye initially demanded ₦6 million as ransom but later negotiated down to ₦3 million. He accepted an initial payment of ₦20,000, promising the family that they would hear their mother’s voice before making further payments.
Girlfriend’s Role
During interrogation, Juliet Ogbodo admitted to being aware of the crime but claimed she did not report it to authorities due to fear.
Victim’s Remains Recovered
The police have exhumed Mrs. Nwatu’s remains, which have been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Commitment to Justice
DSP Ndukwe assured the public that the suspects, along with any accomplices, would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
“The Enugu State Police Command remains committed to ensuring justice for the victim and her family,” Ndukwe stated.
