Confirmation has been made by the Enugu State Police Command regarding the apprehension of a suspect connected to the heinous killing of Luke Eziokwu, a businessman, at his home in Ibite-Okpatu community, Udi Local Government Area of the state.
Reports from PUNCH Metro reveal that an argument between Eziokwu and his niece, Ginika, escalated into a physical altercation while they were both at home.
Ginika, who was reportedly assaulted during the dispute, left the scene and sought help from a person named Uche, who then mobilized a group of cultists to Eziokwu’s residence.
The armed cultists, numbering about six and wielding deadly weapons such as axes, attacked Eziokwu in his home where he was with his wife Ukamaka and their two children, Onyinye and Adaobi, resulting in his tragic death.
Expressing dismay over the incident, Eziokwu’s brother, Sunday, pleaded with the Enugu State Police Command to apprehend the culprits responsible for his brother’s untimely demise.
Recalling the events, the 49-year-old told PUNCH Metro, “Following an argument between my late brother and our niece, Ginika, she sought assistance from Uche, who arrived with his brother Agu at our house. Subsequently, they departed after encountering Eziokwu.”
“Later that night, Agu’s brother, along with six cultists, stormed my brother’s residence. Upon noticing them from my side of the building, I inquired about the situation and was attacked, resulting in damage to my apartment’s window.
“Accompanied by five other cultists, they forcefully entered Eziokwu’s home and savagely assaulted him until his demise. I witnessed them carrying someone out of Luke’s residence shortly after the heinous act.”
Sunday mentioned tracing the path of the cultists to Agu’s residence and reported the incident to the Chief Security Officer, Thomas Ibekwe, who led security personnel to Agu’s home, uncovering blood-stained clothes and boots.
Ibekwe then escalated the case by reporting to the Ninth Mile Police Station for a thorough investigation.
When reached for comment, Ibekwe preferred not to disclose details but referred inquiries to the state police command for further information.
In a conversation with our correspondent, Eziokwu’s distraught wife alleged that Agu orchestrated the deadly assault on her husband that led to his demise.
“Agu masterminded the attack on our home. I witnessed his involvement during the violent incident. They wielded axes. I urge the police to ensure justice prevails. I am left with two young children, Onyinye, two years old, and Adaobi, one,” she expressed.
Upon inspection of the businessman’s body in a provided image, severe lacerations were visible on his back. Bloodstains were also evident around Eziokwu’s head, with his lifeless form lying on a bench.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, conveyed that an investigation has been initiated into the case, with one suspect already in custody.
Ndukwe stated, “A female suspected mastermind has been detained, and the investigation is ongoing.”