Police Arrest Murder Suspect, Exhume Victim’s Body in Rivers

By Abah Margaret

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with the murder of a 42-year-old man, identified as Shedrack Chukwem, in Rivers State.

The suspect, Robinson Uche (29), was apprehended following an intensive investigation by operatives of the command.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the suspect confessed to participating in the crime.

How the Incident Happened

According to the police, the incident occurred on December 17, 2025, when the suspect and four accomplices allegedly attempted to forcefully take the deceased to the palace of a monarch, identified as Elijah Okere.

The operation reportedly turned violent after the victim resisted, prompting the group to open fire, which led to his death.

Investigations revealed that the victim was attending a family meeting when the attackers struck.

Body Recovered from Shallow Grave

The suspect further disclosed that after the killing, the group transported the body to a bush at Ekerre-Ugbor, where it was buried in a shallow grave.

Following his confession, Uche led police operatives to the site, where the remains were successfully exhumed.

The body has since been deposited at the Military Hospital mortuary for autopsy.

Manhunt for Other Suspects

Police authorities said efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the gang who are currently at large.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Olugbenga Adepoju, assured the public that all those connected to the crime would be brought to justice.

The police also confirmed that the monarch allegedly linked to the incident has not yet been arrested, but efforts are underway to apprehend him.

Related Development

In a separate incident, the Oyo State Police Command arrested a suspect, Giwa Sodiq, in connection with a violent altercation that resulted in the death of a man identified as Kehinde, popularly known as “Ogo Ojigbo.”

Police spokesperson Olayinka Ayanlade said preliminary findings indicated that the clash involved a group of youths and was reported by community security guards.