Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Asaba, Delta State — Nigeria’s police have publicly disclosed a chilling confession from a security guard implicated in the murder of a retired Delta State judge, shedding new light on the circumstances that led to the high-profile killing and the subsequent investigation by law enforcement. The confession comes amid growing public concern over violent crime and the vulnerability of citizens, even those once entrusted with upholding the law.
The victim, Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, a retired Chief Judge of Delta State, was found murdered in her Asaba residence on November 24, 2025, prompting a major homicide investigation by the Delta State Police Command. Justice Okogwu, respected for her long service on the bench, was discovered in her living room with her hands and legs bound and her mouth gagged, in what police described as a targeted and violent attack.
Police operatives from the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) pursued leads that quickly focused on a security guard attached to the judge’s residence, who had disappeared shortly after the discovery of her body. On December 6, 2025, detectives arrested 25-year-old Godwin Mngumi, finding him in possession of one of Justice Okogwu’s mobile phones — a critical piece of evidence linking him to the crime scene.
During a media parade on Tuesday, where he was presented by the Delta State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, Mngumi provided a detailed account of how the murder unfolded. In his confession, he admitted that he had only recently been employed as a security guard at the judge’s home, working for “a week plus” before the fatal incident occurred.
According to Mngumi, the operation was initially intended as a robbery rather than a planned murder. He revealed that he invited two accomplices — including 21-year-old Nnaji Obalum, who has also been arrested, and a third suspect who remains at large — with the objective of stealing valuable items from the retired jurist’s residence.
“We did not plan to kill her; we only planned to take her phone,” Mngumi told investigators during questioning. He explained that the group entered the judge’s home at night, subdued her by tying her hands and legs, and gagged her before carrying out the robbery. During the course of the raid, they made away with two mobile phones, a wristwatch, jewellery, and a power bank, items the suspects believed could be easily converted into cash. One of the phones, a Samsung handset, was found with Obalum, who admitted placing his SIM card inside after the theft. The smaller phone, according to the suspect’s account, was sold.
Police say the confession and recovery of stolen items have been pivotal in piecing together the sequence of events that led to Justice Okogwu’s death. Although Mngumi maintained that the group’s intention was limited to theft, the victim’s violent end in her own home — and the manner in which she was bound — point to a brutal and callous assault that transcended simple larceny.
Both Mngumi and Obalum expressed regret over their roles in the crime and appealed for forgiveness, according to law enforcement officials. However, investigators have made it clear that the third suspect remains a fugitive, and a manhunt is ongoing as police work to bring all parties to justice.
The public reaction to the confession has been one of shock and concern, particularly given that the suspect was employed to provide security for the very person he later attacked. Civil society advocates and community leaders have emphasised the need for rigorous vetting and monitoring of domestic staff and security personnel, particularly in homes where vulnerable individuals reside. Authorities echoed this sentiment, with police advising citizens to exercise greater caution before granting access to their homes.
The murder of Justice Okogwu has underscored broader issues around security and trust in a country grappling with rising violent crime. In recent years, Nigeria has seen several high-profile attacks, including kidnappings and home invasions, that have shaken public confidence and highlighted the urgency of strengthening investigative and protective mechanisms. The Delta State Police Command’s overall crime statistics for 2025 indicate a proactive stance against murder, kidnapping, and related violent offences, reflecting intensified efforts to combat criminality across the state.
Delta State police officials have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the suspects are prosecuted in accordance with the law. They stress that the investigation remains active and that any additional evidence uncovered — including testimony related to the third suspect — will be integrated into the case file for presentation in court.
Legal experts note that the case may also prompt discussions about the security vetting processes for guards and domestic workers in urban centres across Nigeria. Many homeowners, they say, rely on informal referrals or minimal background checks when hiring personnel, a practice that may expose households to significant risks.
For Justice Okogwu’s family, the confession provides a measure of clarity but little solace. The retired jurist, who served with distinction on the bench, leaves behind a legacy of legal service and a family still coming to terms with her violent death. As the police pursue the remaining suspect and prepare to lay charges against those in custody, the broader community awaits the judicial outcomes that will determine accountability and hopefully deliver a sense of closure.
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