The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has said that eight persons suspected to be in connection with the murder of the late lawmaker who represented Aguata Constituency II, Okechukwu Okoye, have been arrested.

The Governor stated this during a holy mass held in honour of the lawmaker at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Isuofia, on Thursday.

Recall that Okoye was kidnapped on May 15, 2022, while returning from an outing, together with his aide, Cyril Chiegboka and both of them were subsequently murdered six days after.

Soludo assured that his government will not rest on its oars until all the criminals involved in the gruesome murder of the lawmaker were brought to book.

While consoling the immediate family and the members of the legislative arm, Soludo re-emphasised that justice must take its full course on the murder case.

He said, “These people are not ‘unknown gunmen’. They live among our people, some of them have families and operate from various communities. We need you to help us identify them so that they can face justice.

“The gunmen came with their strange religion, but there is no relationship between light and darkness. Their gods drink blood, but ours doesn’t, that’s why we need to fight them together.”

The governor also stated that the state House of Assembly had already written to the Independent National Electoral Commission informing them of the vacuum that exists in the constituency, as a result of Okoye’s death.

He pointed out that soon a by-election will be conducted to complete his tenure, promising that every entitlement due to the late lawmaker will be paid to the family he left behind.

Cardinal nominee and Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, Most Rev. Peter Okpalaeke, presided over the mass celebration.