……Police arrests suspect
Investigations into the death of Mr Azubuike Ekwegbalu, Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Willie Obiano on Security have been launched by the police in the state.
The Ananmbra Command Police Public Relations Officer, SP Haruna Mohammed, has confirmed the incident.
He said, “On the 9/8/2020 at about 1:30am,there was a report of alleged murder of one Azuibuike Ekwegbalu ‘m’ aged 43 years,native of Ogbunike in Oyi LGA but resident at the Commissioners quarters Awka.”
Mohammed said that following the report, Police detectives attached to B’ Division Awka led by the DPO CSP Emma Ogbuanya visited the scene and rushed victim who was found in a pool of his blood to COOUTH Awka for medical attention where he was certified dead by the medical doctor on arrival. Corpse was deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.
Meanwhile, a careful observation on the deceased body revealed stab wounds while a blood stained Kitchen knife was also recovered as Exhibit at the scene.
Consequently, one suspect who allegedly was in the premises has been arrested and case is under investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident, said Mohammed.
Meanwhile, the State Government regrets the death of the SSA to the State Governor on Security.
The Police suspect his death may be a case of homicide.
Commissioner for information and enlightenment C. Don Adinuba, described Mr Ekwegbalu as a thorough, quiet, unassuming, energetic and dedicated security official whose forte was intelligence gathering.
To carry out his duties faithfully, effectively and efficiently, he kept a low-profile in the public space throughout the years he was in office as the SSA to the Governor on Security.
He was not known to most government officials and declined the use of any paraphernalia that could give him out as an intelligence operative.
According to him, he had in the last few months devoted his infectious energy and acute professional intelligence to monitoring cults in various parts of the state following an increase in the menace of young cult members in educational institutions and elsewhere.
The results have been outstanding. Mr Ekwegbalu’s tragic death is a serious setback to the fight against the cult menace and crime generally in the state.
His death was reported accordingly to Governor Willie Obiano, and he has, in turn, contacted the Azubuike family and commiserated with them.
“The Anambra State Government working with the security agencies will do everything in its power to apprehend those responsible for Mr Ekwegbalu’s death, as we have successfully done over the years in similar deaths.
The Government assures all Anambra people, once again, that it will stop at nothing to make the state remain the safest and most peaceful state in Nigeria.” added the Commissioner.