Crime

Police Uncover Plot Behind Murder of Retired Benue Judge

Published

7 months ago

October 3, 2023

Stella Charles Akupue

Police Uncover Plot Behind Murder of Retired Benue Judge

The Benue State Police Command held a press conference on Tuesday to disclose developments in the investigation surrounding the tragic death of Mrs. Margaret Igbetar, a retired President of the Benue State Customary Court of Appeal. Mrs. Igbetar, aged 72, was murdered in her residence on Wantor Kwange Street, Makurdi, on August 24.

Commissioner of Police, Bathelomew Onyeka presented four individuals believed to be involved in the heinous crime during the press conference. The primary suspect, Aondohemba Joseph, a nephew of the deceased, was taken into custody immediately after the incident was reported.

Family Speaks Out After Tragic Loss of ‘One Chance’ Victim in Abuja

However, the case took a more comprehensive turn when it was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and entrusted to the Operation Zenda investigative team.

Commissioner Onyeka reported, “The suspect eventually confessed to having masterminded the murder and recruited accomplices to assist him in executing the plan.” Subsequently, he led detectives to Adikpo, Kwande Local Government Area, where two additional suspects, Igbazenda Gbidye (63 years old) and Dzungwenen Ukor (40 years old), were apprehended.

These suspects confessed that Aondohemba Joseph had informed them about an inheritance dispute over valuable property left by his late father in the possession of his aunt (the deceased). They acknowledged their participation in the plot to eliminate her to gain control of the property.

In a significant revelation, it was disclosed that Akuhwa Barnabas, a 32-year-old driver employed by the deceased, had also been arrested. Barnabas admitted to facilitating the assailants’ access to the house and managing the entry gate for them during the execution of the assassination.

The Benue State Police Command is committed to pursuing justice for the late Mrs Margaret Igbetar and ensuring that all involved in this heinous crime face the full extent of the law. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as it progresses.