SARS arrest suspected killers of Owerri pastor

Two men, Moses Ijeoma, 39 and Ikenna Etiti, 29, who are suspected to have killed an Owerri based pastor, Austin Megwa, have been arrested by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Imo State Police Command.

Megwa, who was killed in August 2019, was a pastor with Graceland Assembly Church, Okwuemeke, Owerri North Local Government Area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Orlando Ikeokwu, confirmed the arrest of the suspects in a statement on Wednesday in Owerri, adding that they were arrested in an operation led by the SARS Commander, Godfrey Victor, in Oguta Local Government Area of the state.

According to him, the suspects were “dreaded kidnappers” who were recently released from Owerri correctional prison for allegedly taking part in another kidnap operation.

He said: “Moses Ijeoma, 39, aka Ogbuefi; and Ikenna Etiti, 29, both from Mgbala Agwa town in Oguta LGA, have been arrested for kidnap and murder of pastor Austin Megwa, of Graceland Assembly, Okwuemeke in Owerri North LGA of Imo State.

“On October 16, these notorious and deadly kidnap suspects were arrested at Mgbala Agwa in Oguta LGA of Imo State by operatives of Special Anti Robbery Squad following a tip in connection with the kidnap and murder of pastor Austin Megwa of Graceland Assembly Church on August 11, at Egbu road, Owerri.

“Suspects who were recently released from custody at the Owerri prison following their previous involvements in kidnap cases in the state, have made useful statements confessing to the crime and stating the roles they played in the kidnap and murder of the victim.

“During the operation which led to the subsequent arrest of the suspects, one of the suspects sustained gunshot injury on his right leg and was later taken to the Police Hospital where he was given treatment and discharged.

“Investigation is ongoing, as efforts have been intensified for the arrest of fleeing gang members.”

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now