(The Recovered vehicle. Photo Credit: Punch News)
The personal driver of a Pentecostal bishop of the End-Reconciliation Ministry in Asaba, Delta State, has been arrested in connection with the alleged murder of his employer, after fleeing the scene with the bishop’s Toyota Prado Jeep.
The suspect, whose identity is being withheld pending the outcome of ongoing investigations, was apprehended alongside another individual in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, where he was allegedly attempting to sell the stolen vehicle.
Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, made the disclosure during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Awka on Wednesday.
He explained that the arrest was the result of a swift intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad based in Awkuzu.
The second person arrested is believed to be the prospective buyer of the stolen vehicle.
According to CP Orutugu, preliminary investigations indicate that the driver conspired with other yet-to-be-identified criminal elements to murder the cleric before making off with his vehicle to Anambra State with the intention of selling it.
Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives tracked and intercepted both suspects in Nkpor, recovered the stolen vehicle, and took them into custody for further questioning.
The Commissioner confirmed that investigations are actively ongoing to identify, track down, and arrest the remaining members of the criminal gang involved in the killing, with a view to fully unravelling the circumstances surrounding the bishop’s murder.
CP Orutugu also used the occasion to issue a public advisory, urging individuals and organisations to exercise greater caution and thoroughness in the recruitment and management of domestic staff, drivers, and other household employees.
He called on the public to properly verify the identities and backgrounds of anyone employed in their homes or businesses, and to remain alert to any suspicious behaviour.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to proactive, intelligence-driven policing and collaboration with other security agencies to maintain safety and order across Anambra State.
