By Gabriella Ogbu
A 33-year-old man, Ikechukwu Okoye, and his 39-year-old girlfriend, Juliet Ogbodo, have been arrested by the Enugu State Police for the kidnapping and murder of 70-year-old Mrs.
Mary Nwatu. The couple, residents of Onuorie-Obuno in Akpugo Community, Nkanu West, allegedly killed the elderly woman, buried her in a shallow grave, and demanded a ransom of N6 million from her family.
The suspects were apprehended after the family transferred N20,000 to them as part of a deal to arrange a phone call with the victim.
According to police spokesperson DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad arrested the suspects following reliable intelligence.
Mrs. Nwatu was reported missing on September 15, 2024. On October 5, Ikechukwu Okoye, a relative of the victim, contacted her children and demanded a ransom.
Okoye later confessed to kidnapping Mrs. Nwatu on September 14 when she visited his home to search for his mother. He admitted to murdering her and burying her body in an unfinished building.
Initially, Okoye demanded N6 million, but later agreed to accept N3 million. He accepted the N20,000 payment on the condition that the family would hear their mother’s voice before paying further.
Juliet Ogbodo, Okoye’s girlfriend, also confessed to knowing about the crime but claimed she did not report it due to fear.
The victim’s body has been exhumed for autopsy and preservation. DSP Ndukwe assured that the suspects, along with anyone else involved, would face legal action once the investigation concludes, reaffirming the police’s commitment to justice for Mrs. Nwatu and her family.
