A retired High Court judge in Delta State, Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, has been murdered in her Asaba residence.
The incident has prompted a police investigation into the circumstances behind her death.
According to sources who spoke to Zagazola Makama, the victim was discovered in her sitting room at No. 8 Tom Halen Street, behind IBTC Bank, with her hands and legs tied and her mouth covered with a wrapper.
Her brother, Emeka Okogwu, reported the incident to the police at about 8:00 a.m. while visiting her home. Following the report, police investigators were deployed to the scene.
“My eldest sister was murdered in her house on Sunday night. We only received the news on Monday morning. We presume the incident happened during the night,” he said.
The security guard who was on duty, Lucky Matthew, was arrested for questioning, while another guard, Godwin Vanen, who is currently at large, is being tracked.
The police said the body of Justice Okogwu was evacuated and deposited at Maduemeie Hospital Mortuary, Asaba. Investigation into the motive and identification of the assailants is ongoing. The case has been transferred to SCID Asaba for discreet investigation.
The police authorities disclosed that efforts are ongoing to locate the missing guard and to gather forensic evidence from the residence.
Reacting to the murder, some residents expressed shock, describing the victim as a quiet and respected member of the community. The Delta State Police Command assured the public that it is committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice and safeguarding citizens in Asaba.
Targeted assassination is common in Nigeria, especially political assassination. The killing of Justice Okogwu has once again thrown up the issue of the escalating insecurity in the country.
