The Imo State Police Command has arrested two suspects over the killing of Inspector Henry Effiong at the residence of the state Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Investment, Chief Rex Anunobi, in Owerri.
The arrests mark the first major breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of the police officer, who was attached to the commissioner’s residence as a security aide.
The suspects were identified as Olivia Patrick, 31, and ThankGod Maurice, 25.
According to the police, both men were arrested at the scene shortly after the incident was reported.
Police spokesman, DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Wednesday, saying the command had also launched a search for other suspects believed to be connected with the killing.
But a further detail emerged from the police investigation, with report saying that two arrested suspects were already assisting detectives with information about the incident, while a third person believed to be the mastermind was being traced.
The police have not publicly disclosed the identities or alleged roles of the other suspects being sought.
CASE MOVES TO SCID
Following the arrests, the Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, ordered a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the murder and determine the roles of everyone connected with it.
The case has now been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, for further investigation.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the SCID and the Divisional Police Officer of New Owerri Division visited the scene, where investigators conducted examinations and recovered exhibits for further analysis.
The remains of Effiong were subsequently deposited at a mortuary.
The police said investigators had been directed to ensure that anybody found culpable was prosecuted in accordance with the law.
RIFLE STILL A KEY CLUE
The investigation is also expected to establish the whereabouts of the slain officer’s service rifle, which police confirmed was taken by the attackers.
The police spokesperson as confirmed both the murder and the theft of the rifle, adding that the suspects were already telling investigators what they knew about the crime.
The recovery of the rifle could become a crucial part of the investigation as detectives work to establish what happened before and after the attack.
Meanwhile, CP Bosso described the killing as a painful reminder of the risks faced by police officers in the course of their duties.
He commiserated with Effiong’s family and assured them that the command was committed to bringing those responsible to justice.
The command has also appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist in locating the remaining suspects.
For now, detectives are expected to unravel who ordered the attack, the roles allegedly played by those already arrested, the identity of the suspected mastermind and the whereabouts of the stolen rifle.
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