Two suspects, Chukwudi Aboshi, a 28-year-old native of Anike in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, and Ani Innocent Ebuka (a.k.a. “Excellent”), a driver and native of Isigwe-Ugbawka in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State have been arrested for the murder of Chief Stephen Aniagu, the Chairman of the Ogbete Main Market Traders Association (OMMATA).
Enugu State Police Command, on Friday, said it has made a significant breakthrough in the case involving and that the two suspects were arrested in Akwuke, Awkunanaw, in Enugu South LGA of Enugu State.
South-East Reporters gathered that on the evening of September 14, 2024, at approximately 8:20 p.m., armed criminals attacked and killed Chief Aniagu at the Topland, along Amechi Road, Enugu.
DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the Enugu
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) said that during the attack, the assailants also stole the blue-coloured Toyota Corolla car he was driving.
Ndukwe said that the tragic incident sent shockwaves throughout the State and beyond, and the police immediately mobilized all necessary resources to track down the perpetrators.
He said that in response to the heinous crime, the Commissioner of Police ordered a comprehensive investigation, mobilizing both intelligence and operational assets of the Command, and to ensure that the criminals responsible were apprehended and brought to justice.
“You will also recall that the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mba, swiftly directed the state security forces to intensify efforts and ensure that all those involved in this crime are apprehended and held accountable,” he said.
Ndukwe added that, consequently, through diligent intelligence work and coordinated efforts between Police Detectives of the Anti-Robbery Section (D9) of the State CID and Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad of the Command, the police arrested two male suspects involved in the crime on November 8 and 9, 2024, respectively.
Ndukwe said that during interrogation, both suspects confessed to their active involvement in the crime and provided detailed accounts of how they attacked Chief Aniagu, snatched his vehicle, and similarly shot another male driver severally at the same location on the night of the murder, snatching his Toyota Corolla as well., but he fortunately survived and undergoing treatment.
According to Ndukwe, the suspects furthermore, confessed to having committed several other crimes, stating that their criminal camp was in a forest at Mmaku in Awgu LGA.
He said that they also mentioned the following names at large as members of their criminal gang and who were actively involved in the perpetration of the crimes:
Obinna Nnamani (male), of Ndiagu Ogbo-Ezinne, Akpugo in Nkanu West LGA; Miracle (male, other names unknown, but has the nickname “C-C” or “White), of Mmaku community in Awgu LGA; Okoro Chisom (male), of Ihie community in Awgu LGA and Israel (male, other names and nativity unknown).
Other suspects at large are Pius Anoja (male, a.k.a “Ezeobo” who is the Chief Priest of criminal group), of Mmaku community in Awgu LGA; Mosquito (male, real names unknown), of Mmaku community in Awgu LGA; Anunti (male, real names unknown), of Mmaku community in Awgu LGA; and Iyangbakwu (male, real names unknown), of Akegbe-Ugwu community in Nkanu West LGA.
The PPRO said that the suspects are assisting the police in the ongoing investigations to apprehend the mentioned accomplices on the run, and to recover the stolen vehicles and tools used to commit these crimes.
He, however, said that one (1) Tecno Android phone, snatched from a victim in the crimes, and objects suspected to charms were recovered from them.
Ndukwe said the Commissioner of Police has reaffirmed the commitment of the Enugu State Police Command to apprehend all individuals connected to these crimes.
The PPRO said that the CP assures the public that the police will continue in its efforts to dismantle criminal gangs, particularly those involved in violent crimes.
He said that the Command will maintain its aggressive stance against criminals and to ensure the safety and security of the good people of Enugu State.
“CP Kanayo extends his appreciation to the Enugu State Government, under the proactive leadership of Dr. Peter Mba, for its unwavering support to the police and other security agencies in the State.
“He also lauds the good people of Enugu State, urging them to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and continue to support the police in maintaining peace, law, and order in our beloved Enugu State.”
