Henry Okoye, the Public Relations Officer for the Imo State Police Command, also confirmed the arrest of Obinna and Chidubem. He assured the public that the Commissioner of Police had ordered a comprehensive investigation.
Imo State, Nigeria – The Imo State Police Command has arrested Mr. Obinna Obiekea, also known as Losky, and his son, Chidubem Obiekea, for allegedly setting their 35-year-old kinsman, Chima Okafor, on fire over accusations of stealing a pair of jeans worth N25,000.
The tragic incident occurred on New Year’s Day in Nnebugwu autonomous community, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.
Reports indicate that Chima was attending a crossover service at a Cherubim church when Obinna and his family stormed the church, accusing him of theft. They reportedly dragged him out, assaulted him, and later set him ablaze.
Speaking to journalists after filing a petition to the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aboki Danjuma, the victim’s father, Mr. Uche Okafor, narrated the ordeal. He said, “My son was attending a crossover service when Obinna and his family accused him of stealing a pair of jeans worth N25,000. They dragged him to their compound, attacked him with weapons, and set him on fire.”
Chima was rescued and rushed to the Congregation of the Poor Handmaid of Jesus Christ Hospital in Mgbele, Oguta, but succumbed to his injuries later that day due to severe burns.
Mr. Okafor has called on authorities, including Governor Hope Uzodimma and President Bola Tinubu, to ensure justice is served. In his petition, he stated, “The suspects, Obinna and his son Chidubem, are in police custody, but Eloka and Nwamaka are still at large. I urge the authorities to apprehend those at large and ensure justice for my son.”
A police source confirmed that the case has been transferred to the homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Owerri. The source disclosed, “The suspects were arrested in Oguta and transferred to the CID for further investigation. An autopsy will be conducted with witnesses present, and the case file will be prepared for court proceedings.”
Henry Okoye, the Public Relations Officer for the Imo State Police Command, also confirmed the arrest of Obinna and Chidubem. He assured the public that the Commissioner of Police had ordered a comprehensive investigation.
“The investigation will leave no stone unturned to ensure justice is served. The police are committed to bringing all those involved to book,” Okoye said.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to apprehend the other suspects, identified as Eloka and Nwamaka, who remain at large.
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