The Nigeria Police Force has announced the initiation of a comprehensive investigation into the alleged murder of Andrew Ochekwo, a self-identified British/Nigerian businessman.
Ochekwo, who faced accusations of luring a married woman and a young girl with an offer of N1 million, has been missing for the past 45 days.
On Monday night, the police officially responded to the swirling controversies and conflicting accounts surrounding the disappearance of the two women, who left Port Harcourt for a weekend visit to Ochekwo in Aba, Abia State.
The visit was reportedly contingent on the promised sum.
Since April 27, the date of their departure for Aba, the women have not been seen, and Ochekwo, the prime suspect, was allegedly killed while being transferred by police to Abuja.
The police stated, “In light of the public interest and the gravity of the allegations, the IGP has deemed it necessary to institute a meticulous investigation into the roles played by the team which carried out the initial investigation in Abia State, and the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (IGP-IRT), to unravel the veritable facts of the matter.”
“The Monitoring Unit has been given a two-week timeframe to complete its investigation and present a comprehensive report.”
Despite calls to investigate both the death of Ochekwo and the disappearance of the women, it was revealed that Ochekwo was wanted by the UK government in June 2019 for a sexual assault charge.
He had since returned to Nigeria and settled in Aba, where he frequently flaunted his wealth on social media, claiming to run a recruitment company.
After the women were reported missing, the case was brought to the Aba police, leading to Ochekwo’s arrest and detention when the missing women’s belongings were found in his possession.
Ochekwo remained silent about their whereabouts while in custody but reportedly moved freely within the detention facility.
Following a petition to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Ochekwo was transferred from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Aba to Umuahia, and eventually to Abuja.
Tragically, he was shot dead while allegedly attempting to escape during the transfer, with the incident occurring in Benue State. His body was subsequently placed in a mortuary.
There are suspicions of a possible syndicate wanting Ochekwo dead, which has led to increased public demand for a thorough investigation, including scrutiny of the police officers in Abia State.
Local residents informed security personnel that a dismembered body was discovered in a deserted area, concealed with a curtain matching those found in Ochekwo’s apartment.
The police assured that the investigation will be conducted with the highest level of professionalism and integrity, urging the public to remain calm and refrain from interfering with the process.
“Similarly, all persons/groups with relevant information regarding this case are encouraged to come forward and assist with the investigation, and all such information provided will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality, reach us via email at pressforabuja@police.gov.ng, and our social media accounts.”
“The Nigeria Police Force appreciates the cooperation and support of the public and hereby reassures that timely updates will be provided as the investigation progresses,” the police stated.
