The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 29-year-old man, Robinson Uche, over his alleged involvement in the murder of a 42-year-old man, Shedrack Ogadinma Chukwem, in a case that has continued to raise serious concerns within the state.
According to the police, the suspect was allegedly part of a group hired by a traditional ruler, identified as Chief Elijah Okere, to bring the deceased to his palace under unclear circumstances.
The command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, noting that the suspect was tracked and apprehended at about 7:30 a.m. on March 6, 2026, by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit, Emuoha Annex, following sustained intelligence-led investigation.
Investigators said the suspect, during interrogation, allegedly admitted involvement in the crime, which occurred on December 17, 2025, in Igbo-Etche, Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.
He reportedly told police that he and four accomplices—identified as Prince (also known as “Onyia-Army”), Achor, Gift Okere (also known as “Nnaye”), and another yet-to-be-identified individual—were contracted to take the victim to the palace.
However, the operation reportedly escalated when the group attempted to apprehend the deceased during a family meeting.
The police said resistance from the victim led to a confrontation during which the suspects allegedly opened fire, resulting in his death.
Following the incident, the group allegedly transported the body to a bush at Ekerre-Ugbor, where it was buried in a shallow grave.
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Acting on the suspect’s confession, police operatives reportedly led him to the burial site, where the remains of the deceased were exhumed and subsequently deposited at the Military Hospital mortuary for autopsy.
The police further disclosed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects, including the monarch allegedly linked to the case.
When contacted on the status of the traditional ruler, Iringe-Koko stated that he has not yet been arrested but is still being pursued by investigators.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Olugbenga Adepoju, assured residents that the command remains committed to ensuring justice is served, adding that all individuals connected to the crime would be brought to book.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue their manhunt for the fleeing suspects.