- The petition was yet to be investigated before his murder
A police inspector has been arrested alongside three others in connection with the murder of Barrister Chinedu Nwowu in Imo State.
The officer, identified as Augustine Odidika, was taken into custody last Thursday, a day after Nwowu was killed in Mgbidi Town.
Reports indicate that the lawyer had previously petitioned the police over threats to his life, allegedly made by the inspector. The petition was yet to be investigated before his murder.
Chris Ihentuge, chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Owerri Branch, confirmed the arrests, saying an NBA delegation had met with Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, to demand a thorough investigation. “The Bar leaders urged the police to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice,” he said.
The case has now been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). Police officials disclosed that efforts were underway to apprehend a warrant officer serving in Enugu who has also been implicated.
Ihentuge noted concerns over the involvement of a police officer, saying, “They may try to use his position to influence the case, but the commissioner has assured us that justice will be served.”
He also revealed that Nwowu’s murder was the latest in a series of killings targeting lawyers in the state. “In the past two years, at least four of our colleagues have been killed,” he said, adding that the NBA would closely monitor the investigation and provide financial support if necessary.
The motive behind Nwowu’s killing remains unclear. However, police are expected to investigate whether his petition against the arrested inspector played a role.
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