The Imo State Police Command has detained 40-year-old Uchenna Okpara for allegedly stabbing his in-law, Uchenna Unakalamba, to death in Ubomiri, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, following a disagreement between their children.
In a statement released on Sunday, Police Public Relations Officer Henry Okoye confirmed that the incident occurred on January 16, 2025, when a minor altercation between the children escalated into a violent confrontation.
Okpara is accused of using a broken bottle to fatally attack Unakalamba.
“The suspect, Uchenna Okpara, was arrested on January 16, 2025, by the anti-kidnapping unit for allegedly stabbing his in-law to death after a dispute involving their children turned violent,” Okoye said.
Police responded to a distress call, apprehended Okpara, and recovered the weapon used in the attack.
Unakalamba was later confirmed dead at the hospital, and his body was taken to the morgue.
The suspect is currently in police custody as investigations continue.
Okoye added that Okpara would be prosecuted after the investigation is concluded.
In a separate operation, Imo State Police also arrested a member of a notorious kidnapping syndicate, Ozioma Dike, on January 16, 2025.
Following credible intelligence, the anti-kidnapping unit raided the hideout of the syndicate in a forest near Agwa, Oguta Local Government Area.
The operation led to a gunfight, with Dike arrested while others fled into the bushes.
Authorities recovered a pump-action rifle with seven live rounds of ammunition, as well as an iPhone belonging to a victim kidnapped on January 8, 2025, in Ubomiri.
During questioning, Dike admitted to being part of a group responsible for numerous kidnappings across Ubomiri, Ogbaku, and Ohii communities in Mbaitoli.
Okoye assured the public that efforts to apprehend the remaining gang members are ongoing.
“The arrested suspect will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations” he added
