Ekwueme: The Monarch Returned Home To Celebrate Easter, He Was Lured To Meeting And Burnt-Godfrey

The Commander of the Special Tactical Squad (STS), ACP Victor Godfrey, has provided fresh details on the killing of a traditional ruler in Imo State, revealing that the monarch and five other individuals were ambushed, murdered, and their bodies burnt beyond recognition after being lured to a meeting within their community.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Godfrey disclosed that the deceased monarch, HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, popularly known as the Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, had spent several years in the United States before returning to Nigeria to celebrate the Easter season with his people.

According to the police commander, the traditional ruler was invited to a meeting in Ochia, his hometown in Imo State. However, while returning to Owerri alongside five others, they were reportedly attacked by armed assailants who overpowered them, killed them, and subsequently set their bodies ablaze in an attempt to conceal evidence of the crime.

Godfrey stated that intensive investigations and intelligence-driven operations carried out by security agencies led to the arrest of several suspects allegedly linked to the gruesome attack. He noted that the arrests formed part of broader efforts to dismantle criminal networks responsible for violent crimes in parts of the country.

The police official explained that coordinated tactical operations and intelligence gathering were crucial in identifying and tracking down those connected to the incident. He added that the suspects are currently in custody and are assisting investigators with information that could lead to further arrests and prosecutions.

The murder of the respected traditional ruler sparked widespread condemnation across Imo State and beyond, with residents, community leaders, and stakeholders demanding justice for the victims. The incident has also renewed calls for stronger security measures to combat violent crime and protect lives in affected communities.