Tension is mounting in Umuka community, Okposi, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State following allegations that a murder suspect is walking freely due to protection from a relative in the Department of State Services (DSS).
The community has petitioned the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police through their legal representatives, Igwenyi, Igwenyi, demanding immediate action in a case involving the alleged murder of a young woman.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to the petition dated June 12, 2025, the incident occurred during a burial ceremony on April 28, 2025. Around 7:00 pm, a woman was allegedly caught attempting to abduct a sleeping child at the event.
The community chief, described as a retired school principal, intervened to prevent any mob action and directed that the woman be taken to Okposi Police Station. A youth identified as Chichebem Okorie Ogudu volunteered to escort the woman to the police station.
However, the following morning, the corpse of a woman was discovered at Eke Okposi Motor Park near the community. Chichebem, who had volunteered to take the woman to the police, did not return to report to the chief or any community members.
Allegations of Interference
Days later, Chichebem was reportedly compelled to report to the police in Obiozara, where he was detained after making what was described as a "useful statement" and allegedly naming accomplices. The case was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Abakaliki.
The petition alleges that a senior DSS official, identified as a cousin to Chichebem, intervened in the matter. "While the case was pending, a senior staff of Directorate of State Security (DSS) who is a cousin to the prime suspect (Enechi Agwu Ogudu) literally took over the case from the Police State CID and the name of Chichebem Okorie Ogudu was suspiciously removed from the case," the petition stated.
Currently, two individuals named as accomplices—Maduabuchi John Ori and Eze Chidi Eze—are reportedly remanded at the Correctional Service Centre in Abakaliki, while the community alleges that Chichebem, the prime suspect, is walking freely.
Community Demands Justice
"The crux of this petition is to alert you that the community is presently boiling because of the clear injustice. The prime suspect is walking about freely in the village because his cousin is a Senior Staff of DSS while others who do not have 'big men' are languishing at the Correctional Service Center," the petition emphasized.
The community is calling on the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police to act swiftly, demanding "the immediate arrest and charging of Chichebem Okorie Ogudu for murder of the lady whose blood is crying to the high heavens."
BenriNews reached out to the Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi State, Joshua Ukandu, who has yet to respond to inquiries about the case.
The situation continues to generate tension in the community as residents await police action on their petition.
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