The Rivers State Police Command has announced a breakthrough in the investigation of a murder case involving 42-year-old Shedrack Ogadinma Chukwem, an indigene of Umuemeshie Community in Etche Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on March 18, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, said operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit, Emuohia Annex, arrested a 29-year-old suspect, Robinson Uche, in connection with the crime.
Uche, a native of Umuechem in Etche LGA, was apprehended at about 7:30 a.m. on March 6, 2026, following what the police described as “sustained and unrelenting investigative efforts.”
“During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to actively participating in the killing of the deceased,” the statement said.
According to police findings, the incident occurred on December 17, 2025, when the suspect and four others, identified as Prince, also known as “Onyia-Army”; Achor; Gift Okere, also known as “Nnaye”; and another unnamed individual, were allegedly hired by one Chief Elijah Okere to bring the victim to his palace.
“The suspect stated that upon arriving at the location where the deceased was attending a family meeting, their attempt to arrest him became unsuccessful,” the police said. “He alleged that in the course of the encounter, the group shot the deceased, resulting in his death.”
Police further disclosed that the suspects allegedly transported the body to a bush in Ekerre-Ugbor, where it was buried in a shallow grave.
“Following the confession, the suspect led police operatives to the burial site, where the remains of the deceased were successfully recovered,” the statement added. “The body has been deposited at the Military Hospital mortuary for autopsy.”
The police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects who remain at large.
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, assured the public of the command’s commitment to justice.
“The Command remains committed to ensuring justice in this matter and will continue to pursue all individuals connected with the crime,” he said, adding that further updates would be provided as investigations progress. #Securitynewsalert.com
