‘We Only Wanted Her Phone’ — Suspects Admit Role In Delta Judge’s Murder

By PAULINA NZERUBE

THE Delta State Police Command has paraded two suspects in connection with the murder of retired Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, with the principal suspect admitting that the killing occurred during a robbery operation gone wrong.

The prime suspect, Godwin Mngumi, said he recruited two others to steal phones and valuables from the retired judge shortly after he was employed as a security guard at her residence. He explained that he had worked in the house for less than two weeks before the incident.

Mngumi told police that the plan was not to kill the victim but to restrain her while they collected her belongings. Items taken included two mobile phones, jewellery, a wristwatch and a power bank. One phone was reportedly sold, while the other, a Samsung device, was recovered from accomplice Nnaji Obalum.

Obalum admitted being in possession of the phone at the time of his arrest, saying he had already started using it. Both suspects expressed regret over the incident.

Police spokesperson Bright Edafe revealed that a third suspect is still being hunted and advised residents to conduct proper background checks on household staff. The retired judge was discovered dead in her Asaba home on November 23, while Mngumi was later tracked and arrested in Anambra State.