The Cross River State Police Command has apprehended two suspects, in connection with the gruesome murder of Mrs. Justina Amunde, a 50-year-old resident of Obudu local government council of the state.
Mathias Amunde and Emmanuel Oruru, in connection with the brutal murder of Mrs. Justina Amunde, a 50-year-old resident of Obudu Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ugbo Irene, the incident was first reported on December 26, 2024, by Mr. Thomas Amunde, another son of the victim.
He reported that his mother and her housemaid, Miss Fortunate Ochonu, had gone missing after failing to return from a Christmas Eve night vigil.
Investigations, according to the command, revealed that the crime was orchestrated by the victim’s biological son, Mathias Amunde, with the help of his accomplices, Emmanuel Oruru and one Henry Abang, alias Wacott, who is currently at large.
On the night of the vigil, the suspects reportedly hid in Mrs. Justina’s kitchen, awaiting her return. Upon her arrival, they murdered her, wrapped her body, and disposed of it in a well before fleeing with her mobile phone. The command explained.
Adding that, Miss Fortunate Ochonu narrowly escaped the attack, providing key information to the authorities.
A manhunt ensued, resulting in the arrest of Mathias Amunde and Emmanuel Oruru, who have since confessed to the crime.
The case has been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar for further investigation.
The police assured the public that the suspects will be prosecuted, and updates on the case will be provided as investigations progress.