Family Alleges Fleeing Murder Suspects Are Using Police To Target Witnesses In Enugu Killing Case, Petitions IGP

Family Alleges Fleeing Murder Suspects Are Using Police To Target Witnesses In Enugu Killing Case, Petitions IGP

A fresh controversy has emerged in the ongoing investigation into the killing of 56-year-old Augustine Ekwueme in Enugu State, as members of his family have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), alleging that fleeing suspects linked to the murder are attempting to use law enforcement authorities to intimidate and prosecute key witnesses in the case.

The petition, dated May 27, 2026, and addressed to the IGP, raises concerns over what the family describes as efforts to derail the murder investigation and frustrate the prosecution of suspects already facing charges before a court in Enugu State.

According to the petition, relatives of the deceased accuse some of the suspects who remain at large of filing what they described as false allegations of arson and malicious damage against individuals who played critical roles in exposing the circumstances surrounding Augustine Ekwueme's death.

The case stems from a tragic incident that occurred on December 30, 2025, in Obinagu Akpugoeze, Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State. Court documents show that two suspects, Ifeanyi Ekwueme, 38, and Christian Ekwueme, 41, were arraigned before an Enugu Magistrate Court on March 13, 2026, on charges bordering on conspiracy and murder.

Police prosecutors alleged that the defendants, alongside other suspects who are still at large, tied the victim's hands and legs before allegedly assaulting him to death. The incident reportedly took place in the presence of their wives and shocked residents of the community.

While Ifeanyi and Christian were arrested and remanded following investigations, two other suspects identified as Dennis Ekwueme and Onyedikachi Ekwueme, also known as Samuel, allegedly fled the community and have remained out of reach of law enforcement authorities.

The killing sparked outrage within the community, with residents reportedly describing the incident as a grave abomination. In the aftermath of the murder, angry youths and local masquerades allegedly descended on properties linked to the accused persons. Some houses belonging to members of the suspects' families were reportedly set ablaze during the unrest.

However, the latest petition claims that instead of focusing on defending themselves against the murder allegations, some of the suspects and their associates have launched a counteroffensive through legal channels.

The family alleges that an Owerri-based lawyer acting on behalf of the suspects petitioned the Nigeria Police Force Zone 13 Command in Ukpo, Anambra State, accusing key witnesses of arson and malicious destruction of property.

According to the petitioners, the development has heightened fears among witnesses and relatives of the deceased, who believe the move is aimed at intimidating those expected to testify and weakening the murder case currently under review by the Enugu State Ministry of Justice.

The family further alleged that despite being presented with documents relating to the murder investigation, officers handling the matter at Zone 13 declined to consider them.

They claimed that legal representatives submitted copies of the court charge sheet, autopsy report, and photographs connected to the murder case, but were informed that the zonal command was only concerned with the arson petition before it.

According to the petition, the officers allegedly stated that the murder case was outside the scope of their investigation, a position that has raised concerns among the deceased's relatives.

Questioning the approach taken by investigators, the family asked whether different formations of the Nigeria Police Force could ignore related criminal matters involving the same parties and circumstances.

The petition also alleges that some relatives of the suspects have openly boasted about using influential connections to ensure that witnesses are prosecuted and discredited, thereby undermining the murder proceedings.

As a result, the family has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission, and the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State to intervene urgently.

Among their requests are the immediate arrest of all fleeing suspects, protection for witnesses involved in the case, and assurances that ongoing murder proceedings will not be compromised by parallel investigations that could prejudice the administration of justice.

The petitioners further called on the police hierarchy to ensure that all investigations are conducted professionally, fairly, and without external influence.

In his appeal to the IGP, the family's lawyer urged the police leadership to guarantee an impartial process capable of delivering justice for the deceased while safeguarding the rights and safety of witnesses.

As of the time of filing the report, the Nigeria Police Force Zone 13 Command had not publicly responded to the allegations. Efforts to obtain comments from the command's spokesperson, ASP Chidera Samuel Oha, were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages seeking clarification reportedly went unanswered.