By Karen James
Abagana, Anambra State – In a shocking development, operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have arrested four suspects, including a 21-year-old woman, Chinenye Ekwenugo, in connection with the horrific burning of a 74-year-old woman in a wheelchair at Abagana. The arrest was made on January 26, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. by officers from the Abagana Divisional Police Headquarters.
The other suspects include Uzochukwu Okeke, 47; Fidel Anayo, 60; and Ikenna Anene, 54, all residents of Abagana. The operatives recovered the burnt remains of the deceased, her wheelchair, and a casket, which the suspects allegedly intended to use to bury the victim before their arrest.
During interrogation, Chinenye Ekwenugo confessed that her boyfriend, Ifeanyi Igwe, currently at large, alongside three other accomplices, carried out the gruesome act. According to her confession, Ifeanyi and his accomplices set the victim ablaze and made arrangements for a casket to conceal their crime before security operatives intervened.
The Anambra State Police have initiated efforts to apprehend the main suspect, Ifeanyi Igwe, who remains on the run. Meanwhile, the burnt remains of the victim have been deposited at the morgue for an autopsy and further investigation into the cause of death.
Reacting to the disturbing incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, called for calm and ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive investigation.
In a statement released by SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer, the Commissioner assured the public that all efforts would be made to ensure justice is served, and further updates on the case will be communicated as investigations progress.
This horrifying incident has sparked outrage across the community, with many calling for swift justice for the elderly victim and stronger measures to curb violent crimes in the state. #everyone #goviral @followers
