The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the brutal murder of a 74-year-old wheelchair user in Ifitedunu, Dunukofia Local Government Area. Among those apprehended is 21-year-old Chinyere Ekwenugo, identified as the girlfriend of the prime suspect, Ifeanyi Igwe, who is currently on the run.
The heinous crime, which has sent shockwaves across the community, involved setting the elderly woman ablaze in her wheelchair. Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement on Sunday, revealed that the other arrested suspects are Uzochukwu Okeke (47), Fidel Anayo (60), and Ikenna Anene (54), all residents of Abagana.
The incident, which occurred at approximately 9:00 a.m., came to light when operatives from the Abagana Divisional Police Headquarters discovered the victim’s charred remains at the crime scene. Alongside the remains, officers recovered a wheelchair and a casket ominously brought by the suspects, presumably to conceal their monstrous act.
Ikenga confirmed that during interrogation, Ekwenugo admitted to her involvement and implicated her fugitive boyfriend, Igwe, as the mastermind. “She confessed that Igwe, alongside three others, carried out the gruesome act, dousing the victim in flames and preparing to bury her in the casket before the police intervened,” Ikenga said.
The Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Itam, has directed an extensive investigation into the matter, tasking the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department to take charge. “Our operatives acted swiftly to apprehend the suspects and secure critical evidence. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect, Igwe,” Ikenga assured.
The victim’s body has been deposited in the morgue for an autopsy, while the community remains on edge following the chilling incident. Commissioner Itam has urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement as they intensify efforts to bring all perpetrators to justice.
In a related operation, police from the Anti-Cult Unit in Enugwu Ukwu arrested 25-year-old Maduka Okoye, a suspected member of the Baggars Confraternity, on Saturday at about 1:30 p.m. Acting on credible intelligence, officers stormed the Ezichike community of Abagana and recovered three spent cartridges from a pump-action gun at the scene of a shooting incident.
During interrogation, Okoye confessed to being part of a gang targeted by members of a rival cult group, the Axe Men Confraternity, while drinking at a local beer parlour. “The swift intervention of our operatives prevented what could have been a bloody cult clash in the area,” Ikenga stated.
Okoye is currently cooperating with investigators to identify and apprehend other gang members and rival cultists involved in the incident.
The dual incidents have sparked outrage and fear within the community, with residents calling for intensified police patrols and stricter measures to curb rising violence. Human rights activists have also condemned the murder of the elderly woman, describing it as “a stark reminder of the depravity that continues to plague society.”
As the Anambra State Police intensify their crackdown on criminal elements, the command reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice is served and calm is restored in the affected communities.
This horrifying incident serves as a clarion call for increased vigilance and collaboration between the police and residents in combating crime.
PIONEER NEWS 