Enugu Police arrest over 40 persons in connection with death of monarch
- Not less than 40 persons believed to be connected with the recent beating to death of a monarch in Enugu have been arrested by the Police
- Members of the community beat the monarch to coma after he allegedly knocked down an old man who was among his antagonists
- The Police spokesman said investigations have been launched into the matter and a search is underway for one Chijioke Nnona Okenwa, over his alleged role in the incident
Operatives of the Enugu state police command have arrested not less than 40 indigenes of Ogbozinne community in Nkanu-West local government area, in connection with the beating to death of their traditional ruler, HRH, late Igwe Stephen Nwatu, on Monday, June 11.
Following the incident, many residents of the community also fled into bushes and forests of neighboring communities; out of fear that they would be targeted by persons angered by the death of the monarch, or picked up by the Police, Vanguard reports.
Legit.ng notes that members of the community beat the monarch to coma after he allegedly knocked down an old man who was among his antagonists, with his vehicle and Police escorts. The royal father was later rushed to Park Lane Hospital, Enugu, where he died.
READ ALSO: Nyame, Dariye convictions prove we are not biased - EFCC
According to sources with knowledge of the matter, motorcycles belonging to the late monarch’s antagonists were also confiscated and taken to Agbani Divisional Police station.
Reacting to the development, the spokesman of the Command, Ebere Amaraizu, reportedly said some members of the community had been declared wanted in connection with the death, even though he did not divulge information on those who had been arrested.
The spokesman said investigations have been launched into the matter and that “the state Command has intensified manhunt on one Chijioke Nnona Okenwa over his alleged role with his cohorts in the dastardly act."
The wanted individual, Okenwa, may have no abode again in the community as his house was among those razed, following the crisis.
PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigeria’s #1 news app
Recall that Legit.ng previously reported that a traditional ruler, Steven Nwatu, in Ogbozinne community, Akpugo in Nkanu-West local government area of Enugu state, was beaten to death by his supposed subjects over a crisis that began about 10 years ago.
There were two versions to the story; with one stating that the community’s problem commenced with the setting up of a town union leadership, which was resisted by the monarch.
Lagos Police parades suspects - on Legit.ng TV:
Source: Legit.ng
