By Correspondent
The Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad of the Enugu State Police Command has arrested two suspects: Ikechukwu Okoye (33) and Juliet Ogbodo (39), both residents of Onuorie-Obuno, Akpugo Community, Nkanu West LGA for the murder of a 70- year – old woman .
They are accused of kidnapping, murdering, and burying Mrs. Mary Nwatu, a 70-year-old woman, in a shallow grave in September 2024.
Investigations by the command revealed that Mrs. Nwatu went missing on September 15, 2024, after unsuccessful efforts to locate her. On October 5, 2024, Ikechukwu Okoye, identified as a kinsman of the victim and the primary suspect, contacted the victim’s children, demanding a ransom of six million Naira (N6,000,000).
On interrogation, Okoye admitted to kidnapping Mrs. Nwatu on September 14, 2024, when she visited his home to see his mother. He confessed to murdering her and burying her in a shallow grave inside an unfinished building within the compound. He also disclosed that he negotiated the ransom to three million Naira (N3,000,000) but only managed to collect twenty thousand Naira (N20,000) in exchange for allowing the victim’s children to hear her voice over the phone.
On her part,Juliet Ogbodo, Okoye’s girlfriend, confessed that she was aware of the crime but failed to report it to the authorities.
Confirming the incident,DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the police spokesperson, said Mrs. Nwatu’s remains have been exhumed for preservation and autopsy. He assured the public that the suspects and any other accomplices would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.
