A 33-year-old man and his 39-year-old girlfriend have been arrested by the police in connection with the abduction, murder, and subsequent burial of a 70-year-old woman, Mrs. Mary Nwatu, from Akpugo Community in Nkanu West Local Government Area, Enugu State.
The two suspects, identified as Ikechukwu Okoye and Juliet Ogbodo, both residents of Onuorie-Obuno, allegedly carried out the heinous crime after abducting the elderly woman, killing her, and burying her body in a shallow grave. Following the murder, the suspects made a demand for a substantial ransom from the victim’s family.
The crime unfolded after the suspects reportedly kidnapped Mrs. Nwatu and later contacted her children, demanding six million Naira for her release. The suspects, however, made the critical mistake of lowering the ransom demand after initial negotiations, eventually accepting a smaller sum of just 20,000 Naira. The money was meant to facilitate a phone call in which the children could supposedly hear their mother’s voice, fueling their hopes for her safe return. The criminals’ attempt to manipulate the family into believing they could still have contact with their loved one was short-lived, as they were eventually apprehended by the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad of the Enugu State Police Command.
The police have since launched an investigation into the crime, and the details uncovered so far paint a chilling picture of calculated cruelty. Daniel Ndukwe, the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that Mrs. Nwatu was reported missing on September 15, 2024, after her family was unable to locate her despite extensive efforts. After weeks of searching and exhausting all other avenues, it was not until October 5, 2024, that Ikechukwu Okoye, the principal suspect and a relative of the victim, began contacting Mrs. Nwatu’s children. Okoye allegedly demanded the ransom and, during this time, misled the family into thinking they could still negotiate for her safe return.
Ndukwe explained that Okoye was arrested after a thorough investigation and credible intelligence reports that linked him to the abduction. During questioning, Okoye admitted that he had lured Mrs. Nwatu to his house under the pretense of helping her find his mother. Upon her arrival, he allegedly abducted her, murdered her, and then buried her body in a shallow grave inside an uncompleted building on the property. Okoye’s confession further revealed that he initially demanded six million Naira from the victim’s children, but after some negotiation, the ransom amount was reduced to three million Naira. Ultimately, the suspects received only 20,000 Naira from the family, under the false pretense that it would allow them to hear from their mother.
Juliet Ogbodo, Okoye’s girlfriend, was also arrested after confessing to knowing about the crime but failing to report it to the authorities. Ogbodo explained that she was aware of the abduction and murder but did not act out of fear. She admitted to being complicit by not reporting the crime, but stated that she was intimidated by Okoye’s involvement and did not know how to handle the situation.
Following Okoye’s confession, the police were able to locate and exhume Mrs. Nwatu’s remains from the shallow grave where she had been buried. The victim’s body has since been transferred to the morgue, where it will be preserved and undergo an autopsy to confirm the cause of death. The authorities are now focused on continuing their investigation to determine if other individuals were involved or if there were additional crimes connected to this case.
The arrest of Ikechukwu Okoye and Juliet Ogbodo has sent shockwaves through the community, which has expressed deep sorrow over the brutal nature of the crime. The police have assured the public that justice will be served, and both suspects will face the full consequences of their actions. The Enugu State Police have also reiterated their commitment to combating kidnapping and other forms of violent crime in the region, ensuring that perpetrators of such heinous acts are swiftly brought to justice.
As the investigation progresses, the authorities have promised to scrutinize the involvement of any other individuals who may have aided the suspects in carrying out the crime. The suspects are expected to be formally charged and arraigned in court once the investigations are concluded. This case has further highlighted the ongoing issues of abduction, ransom demands, and violence in parts of Nigeria, underscoring the need for continuous efforts to combat such crimes and ensure the safety and security of all citizens. The victim’s family, meanwhile, continues to grieve the loss of their loved one, as the community rallies to support them during this difficult time.
