The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 33-year-old man, Ikechukwu Okoye, and his 39-year-old girlfriend, Juliet Ogbodo, for the alleged abduction and murder of a 70-year-old woman, Mrs. Mary Nwatu, in Onuorie-Obuno, Akpugo community, Nkanu West Local Government Area, Enugu State.
The couple reportedly buried the elderly woman in a shallow grave after killing her and then demanded a ransom of N6 million from her children. According to the police, the suspects were apprehended by the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad after they tricked the victim’s family into paying N20,000 to hear their mother’s voice.
The police spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, revealed that Mrs. Nwatu was reported missing on September 15, 2024, after attempts to locate her failed. On October 5, 2024, Ikechukwu Okoye began contacting the victim’s children, demanding ransom payments.
Following credible intelligence, the police arrested Okoye, who later confessed to the crime. He disclosed that on September 14, 2024, the victim visited his residence in search of his mother. He then kidnapped and murdered her before burying her in an uncompleted building within the compound.
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Okoye confessed to demanding a ransom of N6 million, which was negotiated to N3 million, though he accepted a token payment of N20,000. This payment was intended to give the victim’s family an opportunity to hear her voice over the phone before further payments were made.
Okoye’s girlfriend, Juliet Ogbodo, admitted to being aware of the murder but failed to report it to authorities. Her claim of fear has been noted by the investigators, who are continuing their inquiry into the case.
The police have since exhumed the victim’s remains, which have been transferred to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy. The authorities have assured the public that the suspects, along with any accomplices, will face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.
