The Anambra State Police Command has arrested the personal driver of a Pentecostal bishop in Delta State over the alleged murder of his employer and the theft of the cleric’s Toyota Prado Jeep.
The suspect, whose identity has not yet been disclosed due to ongoing investigations, was arrested in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, alongside another man allegedly involved in attempting to buy the stolen vehicle.
The victim was identified as a bishop of the End-Reconciliation Ministry based in Asaba, Delta State.
Speaking during a press briefing at the state police headquarters in Awka on Wednesday, the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, said the arrest followed a swift intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu.
According to the police commissioner, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly conspired with other criminal elements, who are currently on the run, to kill the bishop before fleeing with the victim’s vehicle to Anambra State to sell it.
“The suspect, who served as the bishop’s driver and domestic staff, allegedly worked with others to murder the cleric before escaping with his Prado Jeep,” Orutugu said.
He explained that police operatives acted on credible intelligence, tracked the suspects to Nkpor and successfully recovered the stolen vehicle.
The commissioner added that investigations are still ongoing to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the killing and to arrest other members of the alleged gang.
Orutugu also used the opportunity to advise members of the public to be cautious when employing domestic workers, drivers and other household staff.
He urged employers to properly verify the identities and backgrounds of workers before hiring them and to remain alert to suspicious behaviour.
“We remain committed to intelligence-driven policing and collaboration with other security agencies to ensure the protection of lives and property,” the CP stated.
