A driver of the Bishop of the End-Reconciliation Ministry in Asaba, Delta State, has been arrested for reportedly killing his employer and fleeing with his Toyota Prado jeep.
The driver, whose identity has not been revealed owing to continuing investigations, was apprehended alongside another suspect in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, while attempting to sell the vehicle.
During a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Awka on Wednesday, Anambra Police Commissioner Ikioye Orutugu said that the suspect killed the clergyman before escaping to Anambra to sell his vehicle.
According to Orutugu, the arrest came after a quick intelligence-led operation by operatives from the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu, which resulted in the arrest of the suspect and another person suspected of being the buyer of the stolen vehicle.
He claimed that the driver cooperated with some criminal elements who are still at large to kill his boss and that investigations are ongoing to catch other members of the criminal group engaged in the crime and thoroughly untangle the circumstances surrounding the tragic murder.
He said, “The operatives of the Anambra State Police Command arrested a domestic staff member allegedly involved in the gruesome murder of his employer, a Pentecostal Bishop of End-Reconciliation Ministry in Asaba, Delta State, and the subsequent attempt to dispose of the victim’s Toyota Prado Jeep in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State.
“The breakthrough followed a swift intelligence-led operation by operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, which led to the arrest of the suspect and another individual alleged to be the buyer of the stolen vehicle.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspect, who served as the bishop’s driver and domestic staff, allegedly conspired with yet-to-be-identified criminal elements to murder the cleric before fleeing with the victim’s Prado Jeep to Anambra State for sale.
“Police operatives, acting on credible information, tracked and intercepted the suspects in Nkpor, successfully recovered the stolen vehicle, and took them into custody for further interrogation.”
The CP claimed that investigations are still on to catch other members of the criminal gang engaged in the crime and thoroughly understand the facts surrounding the tragic murder.
Orutugu urged the public to use caution when hiring and managing domestic workers, drivers, and other home employees.
He advised the public to carefully profile and verify the identities of anyone working in their homes and businesses, while also being attentive to unusual behaviors and activities.
“We assured the public that the Command remains committed to proactive policing, intelligence-driven operations, and collaboration with sister security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property across the State,” the CP added.
