Jurist murder: Police arrest fleeing security guard

EBENEZER ADUROKIYA, Warri

The prime suspect, 25-year-old security guard, identified as Godwin Mngumi, has been arrested by the Delta State Police Command over the alleged murder of retired jurist, Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, at her residence in Asaba.

Recall that the late judge was found dead on Monday morning after what relatives and investigators consider a shocking overnight attack at her home located behind The Pointer Newspapers in the Delta State capital.

Her brother, Ogbueshi Godfrey Okogwu, confirmed the incident, saying the family received the devastating news only after the crime had likely occurred during the night.

“My eldest sister was murdered in her house on Sunday night. We only received the news on Monday morning, so we presume the incident happened during the night,” he said.

The family grew more suspicious after discovering that the night security guard who was supposed to be on duty had disappeared.

The morning guard, upon arrival, reportedly met the gate wide open and remained seated without attempting to raise alarm or take action.

“He said he simply sat there. Sat there doing what? I do not know. I do not understand this situation at all,” the distraught brother remarked, questioning the behaviour of the guards responsible for the property.

Police have been provided with the identity of the private security company that supplied the personnel, and the morning guard has already been detained.

The owner of the firm was said to have been invited for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.

In a weekend update on the case, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, on Sunday, confirmed that operatives of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department apprehended Mngumi in Anambra State, where he had fled after the incident.

The phone belonging to the late Justice Okogwu was reportedly recovered from him at the time of arrest.

Mngumi is said to have confessed to inviting two accomplices to the residence, where they allegedly carried out the attack.

One of them, identified as Nnaji Obalum, has also been arrested, while the third suspect, Godwin Vanem, remains at large.

“We have two suspects in custody, while one of the security guards is at large. A manhunt is ongoing for the fleeing suspect,” SP Edafe stated.

He assured the public that the Command is determined to ensure all those involved in the murder of the retired judicial officer are arrested and prosecuted accordingly.