Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
Police in Enugu State have arrested a mother and her daughter in connection with the alleged murder of a 70-year-old relative amid local dispute in the Nsukka area.
The state police command confirmed that operatives took into custody Loretta Asadu and her daughter, identified as Chikamso, following the killing of their elderly relative, known locally as Mama Oliver, at Ezema Nru in Nsukka Local Government Area. The arrests were announced late Wednesday as part of an ongoing investigation into the fatal incident.
Details emerging from police sources indicate that the murder investigation was triggered after the body of the 70-year-old was discovered under suspicious circumstances. Initial inquiries suggest that the alleged crime may have stemmed from a domestic dispute related to accusations that the elderly woman had taken money from the suspects, though official confirmation of motive and supporting evidence remains under review by detectives.
The Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, said the suspects are currently in custody while forensic and investigative processes continue. He noted that detectives have commenced formal interrogation and are gathering statements from neighbours and family members as well as any physical evidence at the scene. The command has pledged to forward investigative findings to the state’s Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) upon completion.
Authorities have not released additional details about the nature of the violence or whether other arrests are anticipated, but police indicated that the investigation remains active. Senior officers emphasised the seriousness with which the command is treating the case, given the victim’s advanced age and the alleged involvement of close family members.
The killing of an elderly relative has sparked concern among community residents in Ezema Nru and surrounding villages, with neighbours describing the incident as “shocking” and deeply unsettling for a community where extended family bonds are highly valued. Some residents told local media that disputes over inheritance or money in family households can escalate, but expressed disbelief that the situation would result in such a severe outcome.
Legal experts consulted on the matter note that domestic homicide cases often involve complex evidence challenges and that police must establish clear proof of intent and participation before formal charges can be instituted. Evidence such as weapon recovery, witness testimonies, forensic results and motive must be sufficiently strong to support prosecution in court.
Under Nigerian criminal law, murder carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment. If the police and state prosecutors determine that the evidence supports that charge, the suspects could be arraigned and tried before a competent court. Given the involvement of family members, however, prosecutors might also explore whether lesser charges such as culpable homicide or manslaughter apply, depending on the circumstances and available evidence.
The Enugu State Police Command called for calm as the case unfolds and urged members of the public not to spread unverified information that could hinder the investigation or jeopardise the rights of the suspects or the integrity of the inquiry.
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