Mngumi, who was deployed to guard the residence of the late jurist, was tracked and apprehended following an intelligence-led operation. Operatives of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Delta State Police Command, have arrested a security guard identified as Godwin Mngumi, 25, over the alleged murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu in Anambra State.
Mngumi, who was assigned to protect the judge’s residence, was captured after police traced him using intelligence reports. Officers also recovered the deceased’s mobile phone from his possession.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspect confessed during interrogation and disclosed that he did not commit the act alone. He reportedly named his accomplice, Nnaji Obalum, and another suspect who is yet to be identified. Both men allegedly joined him at the residence to carry out the murder.
According to the statement, Mngumi invited Obalum and the third suspect to the house, and they jointly executed the crime. Obalum has since been arrested, while efforts are ongoing to track down the third suspect.
Officials revealed that Mngumi fled Anambra State immediately after the incident but was trailed to Delta, where he was arrested. The command assured that all individuals involved will be apprehended and prosecuted.
Justice Okogwu was found dead in her home at No. 8 Tom Halen Street, behind IBTC Bank, Asaba. Her hands and legs were tied, and her mouth was gagged with a wrapper. Her brother, Emeka Okogwu, discovered her body at about 8:00 a.m. and immediately alerted the police.
Following the report, patrol teams were dispatched to the scene and the body was taken to Maduemeie Hospital Mortuary, Asaba. Initial investigations led to the arrest of another guard, Lucky Matthew, while a third guard, Godwin Vanen, was declared missing.
The case has been transferred to the SCID, Asaba, for further investigation. Forensic examination is ongoing to determine the motive behind the murder and clarify each suspect’s involvement.
