The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old security guard, identified as Godwin Mngumi, for his alleged involvement in the murder of a retired judge, Justice Ifeoma Okogwu. The retired judge was found dead recently under suspicious circumstances, prompting a full homicide investigation by the state’s Criminal Investigation Department.
The police confirmed that the suspect was arrested on Saturday in Anambra State following a coordinated intelligence-led operation. The arrest marks a major breakthrough in the murder case, which has shocked the legal community and residents of Delta and neighbouring states.
The arrested suspect, who was employed as a security guard in the residence of the retired judge, is accused of playing a direct role in the crime. Police said he also led officers to the recovery of the deceased judge’s mobile phone, which he allegedly took after the attack.
The Police Public Relations Officer for Delta State, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the development in a statement released on Sunday. According to him, detectives attached to the Homicide Section of the State CID acted swiftly after receiving intelligence on the suspect’s whereabouts.
“On 6th December, 2025, operatives of the Homicide Section of the State CID, Delta State Police Command, acting on intelligence, arrested one Godwin Mngumi, aged 25 years, the security guard who allegedly murdered Justice Ifeoma Okogwu (Rtd). The phone of the late retired justice has also been recovered from him,” Edafe said.
He added that the suspect confessed to carrying out the crime with the help of two accomplices.
According to the police spokesperson, Mngumi confessed during interrogation that he invited two other individuals—Nnaji Obalum and a yet-to-be-identified third suspect—into the house, where the attack was carried out.
The police said Mngumi gave details of how he colluded with the accomplices to commit the “dastardly act,” describing it as a planned attack rather than a random crime.
Following his confession, police operatives launched another operation that led to the arrest of the second suspect, Nnaji Obalum. The third suspect remains at large, but the police say a manhunt is ongoing to ensure he is apprehended.
The killing of Justice Okogwu has sent shockwaves through Delta State and beyond. The retired judge was widely respected in the legal community and had served in the state judiciary for many years before her retirement. Her death has raised concerns about the safety of senior citizens living alone, especially retired public officials who may be vulnerable to attacks.
Residents of the neighbourhood where the judge lived expressed sadness and disbelief when news of her death first broke. Many described her as peaceful, approachable and committed to justice during her years of service. They said it was heartbreaking that a person entrusted with protecting her—the security guard—was now a prime suspect in her murder.
The police authorities say they are committed to ensuring that all those involved in the murder face justice. Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, who supervised the operation, commended the homicide detectives for their swift work.
He assured the public that the police would continue to follow every lead until the third suspect is arrested and the full motive behind the killing is uncovered.
The shocking murder comes at a time when concerns about security and violent crime remain high in many parts of Nigeria. Cases involving domestic staff turning against their employers have been reported in several states, highlighting the need for more thorough background checks before hiring security workers.
In recent years, authorities have repeatedly urged residents—especially elderly individuals and influential figures—to ensure they hire trained and verified security personnel. Private security companies have also been encouraged to improve their screening processes.
Members of the legal community have expressed pain and outrage over the killing of Justice Okogwu. Several lawyers described her as a dedicated and disciplined judge who contributed greatly to the development of the judiciary in Delta State.
Police say the suspects will be charged to court once investigations are completed. They also urge members of the public to come forward with any information that could help track the remaining suspect.
For now, the arrest of the two suspects represents a major step in bringing closure to a crime that has deeply affected the judiciary, the victim’s family and residents of Delta State.
