Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have arrested the personal driver of a Pentecostal bishop based in Asaba, Delta State, for allegedly masterminding the murder of his employer and fleeing with the victim’s Toyota Prado Jeep.
The suspect, whose identity is being withheld pending the conclusion of investigations, was apprehended alongside another suspect in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, while allegedly attempting to dispose of the stolen vehicle.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing at the State Police Command headquarters in Awka.
According to the CP, the arrest followed a swift intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, after credible information linked the suspects to the crime.
Orutugu said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, who served as the cleric’s driver and domestic aide, allegedly conspired with other criminal elements still at large to murder the bishop before fleeing to Anambra State with the deceased’s vehicle for sale.
“The operatives of the Anambra State Police Command arrested a domestic staff member allegedly involved in the gruesome murder of his employer, a Pentecostal Bishop of End-Reconciliation Ministry in Asaba, Delta State, and the subsequent attempt to dispose of the victim’s Toyota Prado Jeep in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State,” the CP said.
“The breakthrough followed a swift intelligence-led operation by operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, which led to the arrest of the suspect and another individual alleged to be the buyer of the stolen vehicle.”
He added: “Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspect, who served as the Bishop’s driver and domestic staff, allegedly conspired with yet-to-be-identified criminal elements to murder the cleric before fleeing with the victim’s Prado Jeep to Anambra State for sale.”
According to him, police operatives acting on credible intelligence tracked and intercepted the suspects in Nkpor, recovered the stolen vehicle, and took the suspects into custody for further interrogation.
The police commissioner stated that investigations were ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal gang involved in the incident and unravel the full circumstances surrounding the murder.
Orutugu advised residents to exercise caution in the recruitment and management of domestic workers, drivers, and other household staff.
He urged employers to properly profile and verify the identities of persons engaged in their homes and businesses, while remaining vigilant to suspicious conduct and activities.
“We assure the public that the Command remains committed to proactive policing, intelligence-driven operations, and collaboration with sister security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property across the State,” the CP added.
