Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a man accused of killing his father, retired Marine Captain David Nwoke, during a dispute over family property in the Ada George area of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday at Oro Ekpo Estate, reportedly left residents in shock and mourning.
Police spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, confirmed the arrest on Thursday, stating that the suspect remains in custody while investigations continue.
According to a source familiar with the matter, the deceased had recently informed his children of plans to relocate to his hometown in the South-East and dispose of some of his properties.
The source alleged that a disagreement arose after the suspect, said to be the son of the deceased’s second wife, requested one of his father’s vehicles but was refused.
The source further claimed that the suspect waited inside the house for his father, who had gone out for his routine morning exercise.
“The man had already settled all his children. It was the son of his second wife who insisted that he wanted one of the cars, even after his father had settled him. He said he would not allow his father to take the car to the village.
“The deceased was a retired captain who wanted to relocate to his village. He called his children and informed them that he intended to dispose of some of his properties and share them among them.
“All his children studied abroad, including the son now accused of killing him,” the source said.
The source alleged that shortly after the retired captain returned home and went upstairs, he was attacked with a machete.
“He had gone for his routine exercise that morning. As he went upstairs to freshen up, he didn’t know his son was waiting for him. Immediately he entered the room, his son attacked him with a machete,” the source alleged.
The source added that a house help who attempted to intervene escaped after she was also threatened. Neighbours were subsequently alerted and contacted the police.
“Following the distress call, policemen from the Rumuokpani Police Division arrived, arrested the suspect and took him into custody,” the source added.
Confirming the development, Agabe said, “I can confirm that the suspect is in police custody. Investigations have commenced with a view to ensuring that justice is served.”
She added that further details would be released as the investigation progresses.
