Two suspects allegedly linked to the brutal murder of a student nurse, Miss Wendy Achumba, in Umuadara, Umulogho, Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State, have been arrested.
The suspects, Onyema Okonkwo, a vulcanizer, and his associate, Emmanuel Onyekachi, were apprehended after angry youths in the community, led by Chidiebere Iweajunwa, launched a swift security operation.
A viral video reportedly showed Onyema Okonkwo narrating in detail how they allegedly took turns raping the victim before Emmanuel slit her throat with a knife. Reports gathered by Vanguard further indicated that the suspects confessed that after the victim identified them, they assaulted her with a stick, causing severe head injuries before slitting her throat in an effort to hide their identities and avoid arrest.
Speaking on how the crime was allegedly carried out without attracting attention, a resident said: “She was the only one in the house. The owner of the house is based in America.
“There were three student nurses occupying the house, but two went for their nursing experience, leaving only Wendy in the compound.
“All I can add is that the suspects carefully plotted and executed the crime. I thank Umulogho youths for redeeming the image of the community.
“The act is barbaric and condemnable. Those responsible for the young girl’s death, must be made to face the full weight of the law.”
The Imo State Police Command on Tuesday confirmed the arrest of the suspects in connection with the rape and murder of the 21-year-old student nurse in Obowo.
Police spokesperson, Mr. Henry Okoye, stated: “The suspects, Onyema Okonkwo, 32, and Emmanuel Onyekachi, 25, both indigenes of Umuadara, Umulogho, were arrested following sustained, intelligence-led investigative efforts by operatives of the Division in synergy with community stakeholders.
“During investigation, Onyema Okonkwo confessed to the killing of the victim after forcibly having unlawful carnal knowledge of her on multiple occasions in an attempt to conceal his crime, and further implicated Emmanuel Onyekachi as being involved in the matter.
“The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, for discreet and comprehensive investigation and will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.
“To this end, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso, assures the public that the matter is being handled with utmost diligence and professionalism, and that anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law.
“Further updates will be communicated in due course.”
