Retired Judge Found Slain in Home: Police Launch Manhunt

​The serene residential area of Asaba, Delta State, was shattered on Saturday by the discovery of a gruesome murder: Retired High Court Judge, Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, was found dead in her sitting room at No. 8 Tom Halen Street. The chilling scene—the judge’s hands and legs were bound, and her mouth gagged with a wrapper—has led the Delta State Police Command to launch an immediate and extensive investigation.

​The tragic discovery was made by the late judge’s brother, Mr. Emeka Okogwu, who visited the residence early Saturday morning and promptly reported the incident to the police at approximately 8:00 a.m. Following the report, patrol teams were swiftly deployed to secure the scene.

​The investigation is focusing intensely on the security arrangements at the residence. According to initial police reports, the on-duty security guard, Lucky Matthew, was promptly arrested for questioning to ascertain his knowledge and involvement in the circumstances surrounding the judge’s death.

​Crucially, another guard identified as Godwin Vanen is currently reported as missing and is being actively tracked by investigators. Vanen’s sudden disappearance has made him a person of significant interest in the ongoing murder probe.

ADVERTISEMENT

​The body of the respected jurist, Justice Okogwu, has been evacuated and deposited at the Maduemeie Hospital Mortuary in Asaba.

​The Delta State Police Command has confirmed that the case, given its sensitive nature and high-profile victim, has been immediately transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Asaba for a more discreet and thorough investigation.

​Police officers are currently gathering crucial forensic evidence from the residence, believing that detailed examination of the crime scene will be vital in establishing a timeline of events and identifying the perpetrators. As of press time, the motive for the killing and the identities of those responsible have not yet been established.

​🗣️ Community Reacts: A Quiet, Respected Figure

​The murder has sent a wave of shock and grief through the local community. Neighbors expressed disbelief over the brutal incident, describing the deceased Judge Okogwu as a “quiet, respected figure” within the neighborhood.

​In the wake of this heinous crime, security experts have publicly called for heightened vigilance and a systematic review of the monitoring protocols for security personnel employed in residential neighborhoods across the state.

​The Delta State Police Command has issued a statement assuring the public of its unwavering commitment to apprehending the killers and strengthening overall security measures throughout the Asaba metropolis to prevent a recurrence of such a tragedy.