•••Picked at the point of selling victim’s SUV
By Kamsi Anayo
A domestic staff member allegedly involved in the gruesome murder of his employer, a Pentecostal Bishop, Chinedu Clarence James of End-Reconciliation Ministry Asaba, Delta State has been arrested.
The police foiled the subsequent attempt by the driver to dispose of the victim’s Toyota Prado Jeep in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Police said the Bishop was abducted and shot dead on May 12, 2026, after which they fled with his Toyota Land Cruiser.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer of State Command made the disclosed the arrest of the driver in a statement on Wednesday in Awka.
Ikenga said the breakthrough followed a swift intelligence-led operation by operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, which led to the arrest of the suspect and another individual alleged to be the buyer of the stolen vehicle.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspect, who served as the Bishop’s driver and domestic staff, allegedly conspired with yet-to-be-identified criminal elements to murder the cleric before fleeing with the victim’s Prado Jeep to Anambra state for sale.
“Police Operatives, acting on credible information, tracked and intercepted the suspects in Nkpor, successfully recovered the stolen vehicle, and took them into custody for further interrogation,” he said.
According to him, investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal gang involved in the incident and fully unravel the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate murder.
Meanwhile, CP Orutugu has advised residents to exercise due diligence in the recruitment and management of domestic staff, drivers, and other household employees.
He urged members of the public to properly profile and verify the identities of persons employed in their homes and establishments, while also remaining vigilant to suspicious behaviours and activities.
The Commissioner further assured the public that the Command remains committed to proactive policing, intelligence-driven operations, and collaboration with sister security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.
The intelligence reportedly prompted a coordinated special operation led by the Commander of the Intelligence Response and Rapid Response Unit (IRRT), Orede C. Matthew, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).
Police operatives tracked the movement of the vehicle and monitored suspected contacts believed to be linked to a criminal network involved in disposing of stolen vehicles.
Preliminary investigations revealed that one of the suspects, Uchenna Nicolas, allegedly confessed that he was recently employed about two weeks before the incident and became involved after the crime was committed.
“He further disclosed that he contacted his cousin, Uchenna Igwe, who resides in Onitsha, to assist in sourcing a buyer for the Toyota Land Cruiser,” the police said.
