The remains of an engineer, Chigozie Udalu, contracted to construct offices in Akwukwu-Igbo, the headquarters of Oshimili North local government area of Delta State but killed by some suspected workers have been exhumed from a shallow grave by the police and the state government.
Two suspects identified as Tiv youths from Benue State have been arrested over the death of the engineer.
The suspects allegedly killed him and concealed his body in a farm. The incident occurred in December 2024 but details only emerged recently.
A police source revealed that the arrested suspects alleged that the engineer owed them money and often verbally abused them.
“They had also intended to steal cement from the site but perceived the engineer as an obstacle. On December 10, 2024, they planned to strike him with a 2 by 2 plank but assumed he was physically strong and might overpower them.
“On December 11, the Tiv boys put a rope around his neck from behind, causing strangulation. Upon his death, they buried him in a shallow grave at the farm.
“Following the murder, the suspects reportedly completed their contract at the site and stole the victim’s phone, making several attempts to transfer money via a mobile app.
“Additionally, the landlord of the construction site was accused of being involved in money rituals. In an attempt to clear his name, he was taken to shrines to swear an oath before the victim’s family.
“The landlord recounted his ordeal, stating that he nearly gave up on the case due to the challenges he faced with the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Asaba.
“However, a police officer suggested he visits Ekpan Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Aliyu Shaba. The officer assured him that within 30 days, the truth would be uncovered.
“Upon arrival at Ekpan, the landlord briefed the DPO, who assembled his team and employed sophisticated investigative techniques, leading to the arrest of two suspects.
“One of the suspects later confessed to knowing the location where the engineer was buried.
“A young man was also arrested and transferred to the SCID for openly threatening the victim in the presence of the landlord, further highlighting the brutality of the crime.
“Of the four individuals arrested, two are considered principal suspects. Meanwhile, a manhunt is ongoing for the remaining suspects who are still at large,” the source said.
State Police Command spokesman, Bright Edafe, confirmed the report, acknowledging that an investigation was ongoing.
“We are aware of the incident and our men are working to ensure others involved are apprehended,” he stated.
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