Driver, Brother Arrested Over Murder of Delta Bishop
Residents of Ibusa in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State have been left in shock following the killing of a cleric, Bishop Clarence Chinedu Okonkwo, who was allegedly murdered at his residence by his driver.
Police say the suspect, identified as Uchenna Nicholas Obiagwu, was arrested alongside his brother in Onitsha, Anambra State, while allegedly attempting to sell the late bishop’s black Toyota Land Cruiser V8 SUV, with Delta State registration number 12A JP, for about ₦10 million.
According to preliminary police accounts, the bishop was struck on the head with a pestle during the attack before the assailants fled with his vehicle and mobile phones. The suspects were later intercepted after a potential buyer reportedly alerted security operatives.
However, the main suspect has denied direct involvement in the killing. Speaking at the State Police Command headquarters in Amawbia, Obiagwu claimed that unidentified armed men invaded the bishop’s residence, killed him, and forced him to assist in disposing of the stolen vehicle.
He alleged that he contacted his brother to help find a buyer for the SUV after being threatened by the attackers. Police sources said both men were taken into custody while attempting to complete the sale.
During questioning, the case took a new twist when the suspect reportedly misidentified the denomination of the late cleric, describing Bishop Okonkwo as an Anglican bishop. However, the deceased was a bishop of a Pentecostal church, a contradiction that has raised further questions about the suspect’s account.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Mr Ikioye Orutugu, confirmed that investigations were ongoing but declined to give further details, urging restraint as inquiries continue.
The killing has triggered widespread grief and concern among residents and members of the Christian community in Delta State, with many describing the incident as shocking and deeply disturbing.
Police authorities say a full investigation is underway to establish the circumstances of the killing and determine the extent of involvement of all suspects arrested.
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