The Delta State Police Command has arrested two prime suspects in the gruesome murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, with the Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda S. Olufemi, describing the breakthrough as a major success in the command’s sustained crackdown on violent crime.
Briefing journalists in Asaba on the achievements of the command from January 2025 to date, the Commissioner disclosed that the suspects were arrested following “credible intelligence” after the killing of the retired jurist at her residence on November 24, 2025.
According to the police, one of the suspects, Godwin Mngumi, 25, was the security guard attached to the late Justice’s residence. He was arrested on December 6, 2025, by operatives of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Asaba.
CP Olufemi said the suspect was found in possession of one of the deceased’s mobile phones and made a voluntary confession during interrogation. “He admitted to inviting his accomplice, one Nnaji Obalum, male, 21 years old, to perpetrate the crime,” the Commissioner said.
He further revealed that the suspects confessed that on November 23, 2025, at about 9:30 p.m., they, alongside a third suspect who is currently at large, gained access into the residence of the retired Justice, tied her with rope and cloth, and murdered her.
“They thereafter stole her valuables, including two mobile phones and a wristwatch, which they disposed of for a meagre sum,” CP Olufemi added, noting that one of the stolen phones had been recovered from Ogbogonogo Market in Asaba. He said the investigation was ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
Beyond the murder case, the police boss highlighted other significant arrests recorded within the period, including the death of a suspected kidnapper during a gun battle with operatives of the State Anti-Cult Unit in Obiaruku forest, where one AK-47 rifle and 42 rounds of live ammunition were recovered.
The command also arrested several suspected armed robbers and cultists across Abraka, Ughelli, Oghara and Sapele, recovering pump-action guns, locally fabricated firearms, live cartridges and stolen tricycles.
In a major anti-drug operation, CP Olufemi disclosed that 161 drug-linked suspects were arrested during a raid on a notorious drug hideout in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area. In contrast, another operation intercepted a bus along the Asaba–Onitsha axis, leading to the recovery of codeine and tramadol.
Reaffirming the command’s resolve, the Commissioner said: “In line with the mandate of the Inspector-General of Police… I have directed officers and men of the Delta State Police Command to remain proactive, professional, and fully committed to the protection of lives and property across the State.”
He disclosed that within the year under review, the command recovered a total of 144 firearms and 6,930 rounds of ammunition, arrested 627 suspects for offences ranging from armed robbery and kidnapping to murder, cultism and rape, rescued 18 kidnapped victims and recovered ₦36 million in ransom.
CP Olufemi commended officers of the command for their dedication and professionalism, while also appreciating the media and members of the public for their cooperation. He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information, assuring that the Delta State Police Command is fully prepared to ensure safety and security, especially during the festive season.
