The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of four individuals in connection with separate cases of alleged murder and child abuse recorded in different parts of the state.
According to the Command, the arrests were made after the emergence of viral videos online, as well as actionable intelligence received from members of the public.
This was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
Ikenga explained that the Command acted on two separate disturbing incidents circulating on social media — one involving the exhumation of a corpse in Nkpor and another showing a 10-year-old boy who sustained severe bodily injuries. He said four suspects linked to the cases are currently in custody.
The statement read, “The Anambra State Police Command commends residents of the State for their vigilance, cooperation and timely provision of information that continues to aid Police and other security agencies in exposing criminal activities and apprehending offenders.
“In separate disturbing incidents trending on social media, of exhumation of a corpse in Nkpor and a 10-year-old boy inflicted with various serious degrees of injuries all over his body, the Command has taken into custody four suspects under investigation linked to the offences respectively.
“The first suspect in custody, Ifechukwu Okechukwu ‘M’ aged 33 years is being investigated for the alleged murder and secret burial of his 23-year old girlfriend.
The case was reported following credible information received from concerned members of the public, leading to the suspect’s arrest.
Police Operatives attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department have taken over the Case and commenced detailed inquiries to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that justice is served.”
In a related development, the Command also confirmed the arrest of three additional suspects over the alleged abuse of another 10-year-old boy in Odume Layout, Isiowulu.
The suspects include Chukwudi Chukwuyere ‘M’ aged 40 years, Chisom Chukwuyere ‘F’ aged 30 years, and Arum Goodluck ‘M’ aged 16 years.
The statement noted that Chisom admitted during questioning to using burning plastic to inflict injuries on the child.
“During interrogation, Mrs Chisom confessed to having used burning plastic to inflict burns on the victim.
“The victim has been provided with the necessary care and support, while the Police Operatives are diligently gathering evidence to facilitate prosecution.
“The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, reassures residents that the Command remains committed to protecting lives and property, enforcing the law, and ensuring that perpetrators of crimes are brought to justice.
“The CP urged members of the public to continue supporting the Police and other security agencies by reporting suspicious activities and criminal conduct through the Command’s emergency lines and the nearest Police Station,” the statement added.