Delta Police Nab Judge’s Night Guard with Victim’s Phone in Murder Breakthrough

Delta State Police Command operatives have arrested 25-year-old night security guard Godwin Mngumi in Anambra State over the brutal murder of retired High Court judge Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, recovering her mobile phone from his possession ​. The suspect confessed to inviting accomplice Nnaji Obalum, now also in custody, and a third fugitive to the victim’s Asaba residence, where they allegedly bound her hands and legs before killing her ​. Police spokesperson SP Bright Edafe confirmed the December 6, 2025, intelligence-led arrests, vowing to prosecute all involved ​.

Justice Okogwu, an Asaba native, was found dead on November 23, 2025, at her home on No. 8 Tom Halen Street behind IBTC Bank, her mouth gagged with a wrapper amid signs of a ransacked house ​. Her brother Ogbueshi Okogwu raised early alarms over Mngumi’s disappearance post-incident, noting the morning guard found the gate ajar yet waited idly ​. The family promptly shared security firm details with police, leading to detentions including morning guard Lucky Matthew ​.

Investigators transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department Homicide Section for forensic probes into motives, amid public outrage over the targeted attack on a judicial icon ​. A manhunt persists for the unnamed third suspect, previously referenced in some reports as possibly Godwin Vanen ​. Delta Police assure swift justice as analysis continues at Maduemeie Hospital Mortuary ​.

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