The Enugu State Police Command has announced the arrest of two suspects involved in the murder of Mr. Stephen Aniagu, the Chairman of the Ogbete Main Market Traders Association (OMMATA).

Recall that in reaction to the gruesome incident, Governor Peter Mbah had given a 48-hour ultimatum to security agencies to produce the market leader’s killers.

In a press statement issued on Friday by DSP Daniel Ndukwe, Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Command, he said a significant breakthrough had been made in the case.

Ndukwe said through diligent intelligence work and coordinated efforts between Police Detectives of the Anti-Robbery Section (D9) of the State CID and Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad of the Command, the police arrested two male suspects involved in the crime on November 8 and 9, 2024, respectively.

“The suspects include: Chukwudi Aboshi, a 28-year-old native of Anike in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, and Ani Innocent Ebuka (a.k.a. Excellent), a driver and native of Isigwe-Ugbawka in Nkanu East Local Government Area. They were arrested in Akwuke, Awkunanaw, in Enugu South LGA of Enugu State.

“During interrogation, both suspects confessed to their active involvement in the crime.

“They provided detailed accounts of how they attacked Mr. Aniagu, snatched his vehicle, and similarly shot another male driver severally at the same location on the night of the murder, snatching his Toyota Corolla as well. Fortunately, he is stable and undergoing treatment.

“Furthermore, the suspects confessed to having committed several other crimes, stating that their criminal camp was in a forest at Mmaku in Awgu LGA.

“They also mentioned the following names at large as members of their criminal gang and who were actively involved in the perpetration of the crimes:

“Obinna Nnamani (male), of Ndiagu Ogbo-Ezinne, Akpugo in Nkanu West LGA; “Miracle (male, other names unknown, but has the nickname “C-C” or “White”), of Mmaku community in Awgu LGA; “Okoro Chisom (male), of Ihie community in Awgu LGA; “Israel (male, other names and nativity unknown).

Others are: Pius Anoja (male, a.k.a “Ezeobo” and the Chief Priest of criminal group), of Mmaku community in Awgu LGA; Mosquito (male, real names unknown), of Mmaku community in Awgu LGA; Anunti (male, real names unknown), of Mmaku community in Awgu LGA; and Iyangbakwu (male, real names unknown), of Akegbe-Ugwu community in Nkanu West LGA.”

He added that “The suspects are assisting the police in the ongoing investigations to apprehend the mentioned accomplices on the run, and to recover the stolen vehicles and tools used to commit these crimes.

“One (1) Tecno Android phone, snatched from a victim in the crimes, and objects suspected to be charms were recovered from them.”

He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu has reaffirmed the commitment of the Enugu State Police Command to apprehend all individuals connected to these crimes.

He assured the public that the police would continue in its efforts to dismantle criminal gangs, particularly those involved in violent crimes.

CP Kanayo extended his appreciation to the Enugu State Government, “under the proactive leadership of Dr. Peter Mba, for its unwavering support to the police and other security agencies in the State.”