By Emmanuel Kwada
A retired Delta State High Court Judge, Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, was found dead in her private residence in Asaba on Monday morning in circumstances that point clearly to murder.
The gruesome discovery was made at about 8:00 a.m. at No. 8 Tom Halen Street, GRA (behind IBTC Bank), Asaba, when the judge’s younger brother, Mr. Emeka Okogwu, visited the house and met the horrifying scene.
Justice Okogwu was found lifeless in her sitting room, her hands and legs tightly bound with rope and her mouth gagged with a wrapper. There were visible signs of struggle and assault.
Emeka Okogwu immediately raised an alarm and contacted the police. Patrol teams from the Asaba Division swiftly responded and cordoned off the area.
The on-duty night security guard, Lucky Matthew, was taken into custody for questioning, while the second guard, Godwin Vanen, who was supposed to be on duty, has reportedly fled and is now being actively hunted by the police.
Spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command confirmed that the body of the retired jurist has been evacuated and deposited at the Maduemezie Hospital Mortuary, Asaba, for autopsy.
“The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a discreet and thorough investigation,” the police said in a brief statement.
Sources close to the family described Justice Okogwu as a no-nonsense judge who presided over several high-profile cases during her years on the bench and retired only a few years ago. The motive for the brutal killing remains unknown, but investigators are exploring all angles, including possible links to past judgments or personal disputes.
Residents of the usually quiet GRA neighbourhood expressed shock and fear, with many calling for swift justice.
The Delta State Police Command has assured the public that no stone will be left unturned in bringing the perpetrators to book.
Investigation continues.
