Police Arrest Killers Of Enugu Market Leader

The Enugu State Police Command has apprehended two suspects linked to the murder of Stephen Aniagu, chairman of the Ogbete Main Market Traders’ Association (OMMATA) in Enugu. The suspects are Ani Innocent Ebuka, a graduate of Environmental Science and native of Isigwe-Ugbawka in Nkanu East Local Government Area, and Chukwudi Aboshi, a 28-year-old cosmetics shop owner from Anike in Ikwo Local Government Area, Ebonyi State. Ebuka, also known as “Excellent,” worked as a driver, while Aboshi operated in Gariki, Enugu. They were arrested in Akwuke, Awkunanaw, Enugu South LGA, on November 8 and 9, 2024, respectively.

Aniagu was fatally shot on September 14, 2024, at Moses Ogbodo Junction near Topland Market in the Amaechi area of Enugu South LGA. Parading the suspects at the command headquarters on Friday, the spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, credited their arrest to “diligent intelligence work and coordinated efforts” by the Anti-Robbery Section (D9) of the State CID and the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad of the command. He said: “During interrogation, both suspects confessed to their active involvement in the crime. They provided detailed accounts of how they attacked Mr. Aniagu, snatched his vehicle, and similarly shot another male driver severally at the exact location on the night of the murder, snatching his Toyota Corolla as well. Fortunately, he is stable and undergoing treatment.

“Furthermore, the suspects confessed to having committed several other crimes, stating that their criminal camp was in a forest at Mmaku in Awgu LGA. They also mentioned the following names at large as members of their criminal gang and who were actively involved in the perpetration of the crimes: Obinna Nnamani (male), of Ndiagu Ogbo-Ezinne, Akpugo in Nkanu West LGA; Miracle (male, other names unknown, but has the nickname “C-C” or “White), of Mmaku community in Awgu LGA; Okoro Chisom (male), of Ihie community in Awgu LGA. Ndukwe added: “The suspects are assisting the police in the ongoing investigations to apprehend the mentioned accomplices on the run and to recover the stolen vehicles and tools used to commit these crimes. One (1) Tecno Android phone, snatched from a victim in the crimes, and objects suspected to charms were recovered from them.”

Meanwhile, the state commissioner of police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has reaffirmed the Enugu State Police Command’s commitment to apprehending all individuals connected to the crimes. He assured the public that the police will continue in its efforts to dismantle criminal gangs, particularly those involved in violent crimes. He stressed that the command will maintain its aggressive stance against criminals and ensure the safety and security of the good people of Enugu State. The CP also extended his appreciation to the Enugu State Government, under the leadership of Dr. Peter Mba, for its unwavering support to the police and other security agencies in the State. He also lauded the people of Enugu State, urging them to remain vigilant and law-abiding and continue to support the police in maintaining peace, law, and order in our beloved Enugu State.”

Source: The Nation