The Commissioner of Police Anambra State Command,CP Ikioye Orutugu, has given reasons why the killers of three siblings in the state have not been unmasked seven months after the incident happened in Nnewichi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of the state.
Addressing a press conference at the command headquarters in Awka, on Monday, Orutugu, said though investigation into the killing is still ongoing, it has been slow down by forensic challenges.
The three siblings namely Chikaima Ejezie, female (nine); Chimdirim Ejezie, male (five); and Chimziterem Ejezie, female, (eight) were reportedly killed and their lifeless bodies found inside a freezer in their apartment on February 1.
It was reportedly gathered that the killers invaded their apartment while the children were inside, killed them and inserted their lifeless bodies into the freezer in one of the rooms.
However, fielding questions from newsmen on why no suspects have been unmasked ,the CP said while the police are working hard to unravel the perpetrators of the dastardly act, it is noteworthy for people to know that homicide crime takes longer time to conclude due to the extensive investigations involved in the exercise.
He said, âOn the case of the three siblings that were killed in Nnewichi, it was a case of homicide and homicide crime takes longer time to unravel because it requires extensive investigations and piecing together the sequence of events surrounding the crime. Gathering enough evidence to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
âThere are also forensic challenges, an autopsy has been conducted and the result is helping with investigations that are still ongoing, we are not relenting in unravelling the perpetrators of the dastardly act. Homicide is the act of killing another human being. It can be classified into different categories, including murder â intentional and unlawful killing, often with malice aforethought.
âIt comes with extensive investigations such as proving intent, establishing the perpetratorâs state of mind or intentions, piecing together the sequence of events surrounding the crime, identifying suspects, gathering enough evidence to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
But we will ensure that perpetrators are brought to book no matter how long it takesââ
The CP also highlighted achievements recorded by the command in the last six months of his assumption of duty as Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command.
He said, âUpon assumption of office, we made a firm commitment to restore public confidence in policing, strengthen collaboration with sister agencies, and ensure that Anambra remains a safe and secure state for all residents and visitors.
âI was confronted with several pressing security concerns, including the disturbing case of a suspect who had escaped custody after being implicated in the kidnapping and murder of Honourable Justice Azuka, as well as other related security issues.ââ
He noted that one of the notable successes of the command in the last six months was the re-arrest of the suspect involved in the kidnapping and murder of the member, Anambra State House of Assembly, Justice Azuka.
âThis breakthrough underscores our unwavering resolve to ensure that perpetrators of heinous crimes are brought to justice, no matter how long it takes
âWe began by engaging and visiting key security stakeholders to improve cooperation, strengthen intelligence sharing, and enhance operational support for the Police and other security agencies. This partnership has enhanced intelligence gathering, community cooperation, and timely crime reporting
âIn a decisive move to combat kidnapping, violent crimes, and other criminal activities, the Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, launched Operation Zero Kidnapping. This joint operation has significantly disrupted the activities of criminal gangs and brought the rate of kidnapping in the state to zero.
âIn the past six months, the Command has recorded significant achievements, including recovery of over 300 arms, 20 explosives, more than 1,000 ammunition, and more than 30 vehicles. Destruction of more than five criminal camps.
Arrest of over 200 suspects, including cultists, separatist agitators, and armed robbers.
âOne of the notable successes was the re-arrest of the suspect involved in the kidnapping and murder of Honourable Justice Azuka. This breakthrough underscores our unwavering resolve to ensure that perpetrators of heinous crimes are brought to justice, no matter how long it takes.
âThe Command has explored the use of Alternative dispute resolution to resolve so many communal crises, including the boundary dispute between Ikenga and Isiokwe villages in Umueri and Aguleri and others
âWhile challenges remain, our results so far reaffirm that with sustained collaboration, professionalism, and community trust, we can keep Anambra safe. I commend the commandâs officers and men, our sister agencies, and the good people of Anambra State for their support,â the CP added.
