15th April, 2023
Kelechi Nwali, a Labour Party House of Assembly candidate for Ezza North Constituency of Ebonyi has been arrested by the police as the mastermind of the events that led to the murder of Peter Nweke a ward chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
Nweke, who was a ward chairman of PDP Ezza North local government area was murdered in the area during the March 18 Governorship and House Assembly polls.
Nweke died from injuries sustained from an attack by hoodlums suspected to be political thugs.
However, Nwali who was also a contestant for the Ezza North Constituency of Ebonyi alongside was among the four suspects paraded over his death by the Police on Friday.
While parading the four suspects, SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, the spokesperson of the Command, in a press conference in Abakaliki said 21 suspects have been declared wanted in connection with the crime.
Aside Nwali, the other suspects arrested and paraded are Onyebuchi Chita, Aloke Obinna and Ifeanyi Nwokpuku.
Narrating the sequel of events that led to the murder of the PDP Ward chairman and the arrest of the suspects, the Police spokesperson said, “On March 18 Gubernatorial/State House of Assembly Elections, one Peter Nweke ‘m’, PDP Ward Chairman at Ezza North, was killed by unknown gunmen.
“Sequel to the dastardly act, the Commissioner of Police CP Faleye S. Olaleye, tasked all Police Officers in the Command to fish out all those responsible for the killing.
“Consequently, on March 28, four suspects were arrested in connection with the death of Mr Peter Nweke.
“During interrogation of the suspects, the first suspect, one Kelechi Nwali ‘m’, a Labour Party House of Assembly Candidate, Ezza North Constituency, confessed to hiring the assailants who were meant to torture the victim, however, he died in the process.
“According to Nwali, the late Peter Nweke posed a threat to his political ambition, so he contacted one Akwasi ‘M’ of Nnachi Umuezeoka in Ezza North, who spear-headed the torture that eventually resulted to the death of Mr Nweke.
“The second suspect, Onyebuchi Chita of Nkomoro community, confessed to have brought in the killers from Nkomoro into Ogboji community where Peter Nweke was killed.
“The third suspect, Aloke Obinna of Ogboji community, confessed to have given his motorcycle to one Onyebuchi Chita for escape after the incident.
“While Ifeanyi Nwokpuku, fourth suspect of Ogboji community, all in Ezza North, conspired with one Sampson Nweke ‘m’, who pointed Peter Nweke out to the killers,” PPRO stated.
Onovwakpoyeya also pointed out that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Falaye Olaleye, has assured members of the public that all the suspects arrested would be arraigned in court at the end of investigation, while those at large will be apprehended and brought to Justice.
The PPRO added that the commissioner has also reiterated the command’s continuous commitment to safeguarding lives and properties of the good people of Ebonyi.
The Command, therefore warned all criminals that there is no safe haven in State for them.
(NAN)
OOC/VAO