A four-man gang has confessed to the gruesome murder of the retired President of the Benue State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Margaret Igbeta. The motive behind this heinous crime revolves around allegations of ownership and inheritance of an estate.
Justice Igbeta’s lifeless body was discovered in late August, lying in a pool of blood within her residence at No. 1, Wantor Kwange Street, opposite the College of Medicine, Benue State University, Makurdi. The incident left no traces of the perpetrators, but the police were determined to solve this mysterious murder.
Recently, the suspects responsible for this horrific crime were paraded at the State Police Command Headquarters. Each of them individually confessed to their roles in the murder and the reasons behind their actions.
The alleged mastermind behind this tragedy is Joseph Aondohemba, a 23-year-old nephew of the deceased. He confessed to leading the group in the murder, citing a dispute over his late father’s property documents, which Justice Igbeta reportedly held onto. He explained that numerous attempts had been made by their village community to mediate in the matter, but the retired judge had consistently refused to attend meetings regarding the property.
Adding to the motive, Aondohemba mentioned that Justice Igbeta had purchased land from another family member but had failed to provide full payment, leading to a dispute over property documents. Frustrated by these conflicts, Aondohemba and his accomplices decided to take matters into their own hands.
Anambra Police Arrest Four Suspect
On the fateful day, after gaining entry to the victim’s house with the help of her driver, the gang carried out their sinister plan. Aondohemba’s uncle, Ukor Dzungwe, brutally stabbed Justice Igbeta multiple times, while Aondohemba himself used a stick to further assault her. Following the attack, they dragged her lifeless body to the kitchen, leaving a scene of horror.
The Benue State Police Commissioner, Mr. Bartholomew Onyeka, provided insight into the investigation process, highlighting Aondohemba’s initial arrest and the subsequent involvement of the Operation Zenda investigative team. It was during this advanced investigation that Gbidye Igbazenda, aged 63, and Dzungwenen Ukor, aged 40, were arrested as accomplices. They confessed to joining Aondohemba in the murder plot due to his grievances regarding his late father’s property.
Additionally, the 32-year-old driver of the deceased, Barnabas Akuhwa, admitted his role in facilitating the gang’s access to the house and guarding the gate while the gruesome assassination unfolded.
The Benue State Police Commissioner pledged to intensify efforts in combating all forms of crime within the state, ensuring the safety and security of its residents and their property.
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