Authorities detain a man and his girlfriend in connection with the murder of a woman, as investigations into the gruesome crime continue.
The Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad from the Enugu State Police Command has arrested a man and his girlfriend in relation to the kidnapping and murder of 70-year-old Mrs. Mary Nwatu.
The police report states that the suspects are accused of burying the victim in a shallow grave following her death in September 2024.
In a statement, Daniel Ndukwe, the spokesperson for the Enugu State Police Command, named the suspects as a 33-year-old man and his girlfriend. Both are natives of Onuorie-Obuno in Akpugo Community within Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Ndukwe mentioned that initial investigations showed Mrs. Nwatu was reported missing on September 15, 2024, after her family made several unsuccessful attempts to find her.
He elaborated that the main suspect, who is also related to the deceased, started reaching out to the victim’s children on October 5, 2024, demanding a ransom of N6 million for her release.
The police spokesperson stated that, based on reliable intelligence, the suspect was apprehended and admitted to the crime.
He explained that the victim visited their house to search for her mother when he kidnapped, murdered, and buried the victim in a shallow grave within an unfinished building on the property.
He also admitted to requesting a ransom from the victim’s children, originally asking for six million Naira (N6,000,000.00), which was subsequently negotiated down to three million Naira (N3,000,000.00).
Ndukwe stated, “He eventually received a payment of twenty thousand Naira (N20,000.00), which was intended to let the children hear their mother’s voice over the phone before any further payments were made.”
The police spokesperson additionally disclosed that the suspect’s girlfriend confessed to being aware of the crime but did not notify authorities.
“The victim’s remains have been exhumed and placed in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy,” he added.
Ndukwe assured the public that once investigations are concluded, charges will be brought against the suspects and any other accomplices.
