By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the murder of the traditional ruler of Umuezekoha in Ezza North Local Government Area of the state, His Royal Highness, Christopher lgboke Ewa.

It was gathered that on February 27, 2023 a dreaded gang of Aye confraternity members invaded the monarch’s palace armed with AK47 riffles and other dangerous weapons.

A statement on Tuesday by the command’s Public Relations officer (PPRO), SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, gave their names as Nnabuike Emmanuel Egede ‘m’ aka Champaign, Chukwudi Aliewa ‘m’, Obinna Igwe ‘m’ aka Nwampepe, Okechukwu Nwamgbegbu ‘m’ and others numbering 30.

According to the statement, the dreaded hoodlums gained access into the highly fortified palace through the fence and on sighting the monarch, they shot him severally and abandoned him in a pool of his blood to die, after which they fled into hiding.

Sequel to the attack and gruesome murder of HRH Eze Christopher Igboke Ewa, an official report was made at Ezza North Police Division Headquarters at Achiagu by one of his sons, Barr. Igboke Samuel Onyema, and was later transferred to SCID Abakaliki for discreet investigation.

The statement further said that as soon as the case was transferred, operatives swiftly swung into action, which led to the arrest of the above four male suspects.

According to the statement, “The arrested suspects were interrogated and they made useful statements confessing to the crime.

“The suspects in their various confessions mentioned some of their cohorts currently at large who participated actively in the crime.

“Meanwhile, efforts are on top gear towards tracking them down for possible arrest and further investigation.

“The Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Police Command, CP Faleye S. Olaleye, has reiterated the Command’s Commitment to security of Lives and Property of the good people of Ebonyi State.”