The Imo State Police Command has arrested two suspects allegedly linked to the murder of a police inspector at the residence of the state Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Investment, Rex Anunobi.
The incident occurred on September 14, 2026, at the commissioner’s residence in the state.
The suspects, identified as 31-year-old Olivia Patrick and 25-year-old ThankGod Mourice, were arrested at the scene shortly after the incident was reported, according to the police.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Okoye Henry, said the Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, had directed a thorough investigation into the incident.
The police said the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID), alongside the Divisional Police Officer of the New Owerri Division, visited the scene.
“Necessary examinations were conducted and relevant exhibits recovered and secured,” the command said.
“The remains of the deceased Inspector were subsequently deposited at the mortuary.”
The case has since been transferred to the SCID for further investigation, while the police said efforts were ongoing to arrest other suspects who remain at large.
The Commissioner of Police directed the investigating team to ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The command described the killing as “a painful reminder of the risks and sacrifices police officers face in the discharge of their duties.”
Bosso also commiserated with the family of the deceased inspector and assured them that the command remained committed to ensuring that justice was served.
The police said the security situation in the state remained under control and that appropriate measures had been put in place to protect lives and property.
The command urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist the ongoing investigation.
Background
The police inspector, identified as Henry Effiong and attached to the Imo State Police Command, was reportedly murdered while on guard duty at the residence of the state Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Investment, Rex Anunobi.
Effiong was allegedly killed by unknown assailants who also reportedly stole his service rifle and other personal belongings.
According to a police situation report obtained by SaharaReporters, the incident occurred on Monday, September 14, 2026, at the commissioner’s residence located at No. 1 Sokom Villa, Area E, New Owerri.
The report stated that the commissioner contacted the police at about 8:00am after his housekeeper, identified as Solomon Uzobu, alerted him around 7:00am that the police inspector deployed to the residence for guard duty had been murdered.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the New Owerri Police Division reportedly mobilised officers to the residence, where preliminary investigations were conducted.
The inspector was reportedly found dead inside his room, with his legs tied and his body positioned towards the bathing area.
A sharp object suspected to be a machete was allegedly used in the attack.
The police report also raised suspicion over the role of a security guard attached to the residence, identified as Genesis, a native of Taraba State.
According to the report, investigators suspect that Genesis may have conspired with the unidentified assailants and facilitated their access to the premises, enabling them to attack the inspector.
The security guard was reportedly said to have fled the residence shortly after the incident.