Judge murdered, as Police launch manhunt 

Stories by Obasola Olatunde 

The Delta State Police Command has arrested one suspect and launched an intensive manhunt after retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu was found bound and murdered in her Asaba residence.

Police spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said the victim’s brother discovered her lifeless body on November 24, with her hands, legs, and mouth tied. The Divisional Police Officer of ‘A’ Division immediately led officers to the scene, evacuated the body, and commenced investigations.

According to Edafe, detectives arrested one Lucky Matthew, while the prime suspect, identified as Godwin Vanem, fled the apartment and is now on the run. Acting on the directive of Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda, the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department’s Homicide Section for a discreet probe.

Preliminary findings indicate that Vanem is strongly suspected to have carried out the attack before escaping. The Commissioner has condoled with the bereaved family and urged anyone with useful information to assist the police in tracking the fugitive.

In a separate case, the command rescued seven boys allegedly held captive by an internet fraud syndicate, Hustlers Kingdom, in Warri. Two self-acclaimed “chairmen” were arrested after one victim escaped and alerted the police. Officers stormed the apartment, freeing the boys who, according to Edafe, had been physically abused with canes whenever fraud attempts failed.

The police assured the public of sustained efforts to bring all offenders to justice.