Police arrest suspect over murder in Rivers, recover victim’s remains

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested a 29-year-old suspect in connection with the murder of one Shedrack Ogadinma Chukwem in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The victim, a 42-year-old indigene of Umuemeshie Community in Chokota, Igbo-Etche, was reportedly killed in December 2025 under circumstances police have linked to a criminal conspiracy.

According to the Command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, the suspect, identified as Robinson Uche from Umuechem in Etche LGA, was apprehended on March 6 by the Anti-Cultism Unit attached to Emuohia Annex after sustained investigations.

Iringe-Koko disclosed that the suspect confessed to taking part in the killing and burial of the deceased. In his statement, Uche allegedly revealed that he acted alongside four others—identified as Prince, also known as “Onyia-Army,” Achor, Gift Okere, popularly called “Nnaye,” and another accomplice still at large.

Police said the group was allegedly contracted by one Chief Elijah Okere to bring the victim to his palace.

“The suspect stated that upon arriving at the location where the deceased was attending a family meeting, their attempt to apprehend him failed, leading to Chukwem being shot and killed,” the police spokesperson said.

Following the confession, the suspect reportedly led investigators to Ekerre-Ugbor, where the victim had been buried in a shallow grave. The remains have since been exhumed and deposited at the Military Hospital Mortuary for autopsy.

Authorities confirmed that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the remaining suspects involved in the crime.