Police in Rivers State have apprehended Emeka, a suspect accused of leading a gang that raped and murdered Mrs. Chigbewejim Steward, the pregnant wife of a pastor, in the Abarikpo community of Ahoada East Local Government Area.
The tragic incident occurred on February 12, 2023, after a confrontation between Emeka and Mrs. Steward.
According to reports, Emeka, enraged by the quarrel, vowed to show Mrs. Steward “wickedness” and returned with his accomplices at midnight to abduct her from her home.
After the abduction, Emeka and his gang reportedly took Mrs. Steward to an undisclosed location, where she was brutally gang-raped and strangled.
Her body, bearing multiple bruises and signs of sexual assault, was discovered near a fishing pond several hours later. Mrs. Steward was five months pregnant at the time of her death.
The deceased’s husband, Lawyer Steward, an Assistant Pastor with the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Abarikpo, confirmed the arrest to the press on Thursday.
He recounted the horrific events, highlighting his wife’s active stance against criminal and cult activities in their community.
“Emeka masterminded my wife’s death after she called him a wicked man during their quarrel. That night, around 1 am, he and his gang broke into our house and took her away. They raped and strangled her. The police have now arrested Emeka, and he is in custody,” Steward said.
He urged the government to ensure justice is served and expressed gratitude to the police for their efforts.
A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that Emeka was not the only one apprehended. Two other suspects linked to the crime were also arrested by the Ahoada Police Division and are currently in custody.
The spokesperson for the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, has yet to provide an official statement on the matter.
The incident has shocked the Abarikpo community, where the late Mrs. Steward was known for her outspoken opposition to criminal and cult-related activities.
(PUNCH)