The Anambra State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the murder and burial of their brother in a shallow grave in Oko community, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The Commissioner for Police in Anambra State, CP Nnaghe Itam, made this known during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Awka on Monday.
Itam revealed that the deceased, Chibuzor Okeke, had been accused of burglary and theft. His brother, Chidiebere Okeke, and cousin, Emebo Ogochukwu, caught him in the act and severely beat him, which led to Chibuzor’s death.
“We have suspects that murdered their brother and buried him in a shallow grave in a compound at Oko. The deceased, Late Chibuzor Okeke, was accused of burglary and stealing.
“His brother, Chidiebere Okeke, and his cousin, Emebo Ogochukwu, caught him and beat him to stupor.
“As a result, Chibuzor became unconscious and was rushed to the hospital, where the doctor confirmed him dead,” said Itam.
In an attempt to cover up the crime, the two suspects dug a shallow grave in their compound and buried the body of Chibuzor.
In addition, Itam disclosed that the police had rescued four children who were allegedly stolen from their parents in Bauchi State and trafficked to Anambra State.
The command also apprehended four suspects, including an illegal foster mother.
“The suspects confessed to the crime and narrated the role that each of them played. One of the children has been identified, and efforts are already underway to reunite the child with his parents,” Itam said.
He also appealed to the public to assist in sharing the pictures of the children for identification and reunification with their families.
CP Itam also provided updates on ongoing security operations. On December 24, 2024, a joint operation led by the Nigeria Police Force, along with the Military, Civil Defence, and Anambra Vigilante operatives, successfully dismantled a criminal camp in Nimo, Njikoka Local Government Area.
The operation resulted in the destruction of several makeshift structures within the camp, the recovery of 19 unexploded improvised explosive devices, and inflicted significant injuries on fleeing suspects.
This operation was based on credible intelligence and information obtained from previous police interrogations.
Furthermore, the police anti-cultism squad in Enugu Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area, conducted a raid on December 7, 2024, at a known black spot in Umunaga Village, Awka South Local Government Area.
The raid led to the arrest of two suspects, Okechukwu Chinwuko (27) and Ezenwa Chinedu (22). Authorities also seized a pump action gun, four live cartridges, cutlasses, criminal charms, and substances suspected to be hard drugs.
The operatives also rescued two female victims who had been forcibly abused sexually by the suspects.
In another operation on December 6, 2024, the Special Anti-Cultism Squad in Enugu-Ukwu arrested 18-year-old Miracle Mwakalor from Umubele village, Awka-South Local Government Area.
He was found in possession of an AK47 rifle and a magazine.
The arrest occurred after police intercepted the criminal gang’s plans to commit further violence in Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area. Miracle led the operatives to an apartment in Ubuofu, Awka, where they recovered the hidden rifle.
