The Enugu State Police Command has apprehended two individuals suspected of killing Mr. Stephen Aniagu, the chairman of the Ogbete Main Market Traders’ Association (OMMATA), in Enugu.
DAILY GAZETTE recall that Aniagu was shot and killed at Moses Ogbodo Junction, near Topland Market, in the Amaechi area of Enugu South Local Government Area on September 14, 2024.
During a press briefing at the Enugu Police Command headquarters, the police spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, revealed that the arrests were made following “diligent intelligence work and coordinated efforts” by the police’s Anti-Robbery Section (D9) and the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad.
The two suspects, identified as Chukwudi Aboshi, a 28-year-old from Anike in Ebonyi State, and Ani Innocent Ebuka, a driver from Isigwe-Ugbawka in Nkanu East Local Government Area, were apprehended in Akwuke, Awkunanaw, Enugu South LGA, on November 8 and 9, 2024, respectively.
The suspects
According to Ndukwe, both suspects confessed to their roles in the crime, explaining how they attacked Aniagu, stole his vehicle, and shot another male driver at the same location during the same incident.
The second victim, who was also shot multiple times, survived the attack and is currently receiving treatment.
The suspects further revealed that they had been involved in several other criminal activities, operating from a forest in Mmaku, Awgu LGA.
The suspects also provided the names of several individuals, currently at large, who were reportedly part of their criminal group, including:
Obinna Nnamani (from Ndiagu Ogbo-Ezinne, Akpugo, Nkanu West LGA)
Miracle (nicknamed “C-C” or “White,” from Mmaku community, Awgu LGA)
Okoro Chisom (from Ihie, Awgu LGA)
Israel (identity unknown)
Pius Anoja (“Ezeobo,” chief priest of the group, from Mmaku, Awgu LGA)
Mosquito (from Mmaku, Awgu LGA)
Anunti (identity unknown, from Mmaku, Awgu LGA)
Iyangbakwu (identity unknown, from Akegbe-Ugwu, Nkanu West LGA)
Police recovered a Tecno Android phone, believed to have been stolen from a victim during the attacks, along with other items suspected to be charms.
The suspects are currently assisting police with ongoing investigations to apprehend their remaining accomplices and recover the stolen vehicles used in the attacks.
Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu expressed the Command’s commitment to bringing all individuals involved in these violent crimes to justice.
He reassured the public that efforts to dismantle criminal networks, particularly those involved in violent crimes, will continue.
The Commissioner also thanked the Enugu State Government, under the leadership of Dr. Peter Mba, for its strong support of the police and other security agencies in the state.
He urged the people of Enugu to stay vigilant and continue supporting law enforcement in maintaining peace and security.
