The Enugu State Police Command has revealed confessions from two suspects arrested in the brutal killing of Stephen Aniagu, Chairman of the Ogbete Main Market Traders Association, on 14 September. The two men, Chukwudi Aboshi and Ani Ebuka, known as “Excellent,” confessed during a press parade on Friday, claiming they had targeted Aniagu and another man who were, in their words, “proving stubborn.”
One suspect, Ebuka, recounted being contacted by a gang leader, Obinna, who instructed him to join the operation, ostensibly to drive one of the stolen vehicles. Ebuka described the weaponry involved: “I saw three AK-47s and three pump-action rifles. We drove to Mmaku with the intent to snatch vehicles. The man was proving stubborn, so they shot him,” he told journalists, referring to Aniagu’s resistance. Ebuka, whose body bore extensive burn scars from a previous lynching incident in Oji River, revealed his role as the gang’s logistics provider.
Aboshi, the second suspect, confessed to joining the operation after being called from his cosmetics shop. According to him, he accompanied Obinna to intercept two vehicles, the second of which was driven by another man they subsequently attacked. “Obinna shot the first man when he resisted. Then we stopped another car and shot the driver. I was carrying a pump-action, while others had AK-47s. We took the cars to a forest hideout in Mmaku,” Aboshi admitted. Both suspects acknowledged using charms and protective markings given by Obinna to “protect” them in the crime.
Enugu State Police spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, stated that six other gang members remain at large, and police have intensified efforts to apprehend them. “Through diligent intelligence and coordination by the Anti-Robbery and Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad, two suspects were arrested on 8 and 9 November,” Ndukwe explained, adding that both men provided full confessions of the fatal attacks. The second driver, whose Toyota Corolla was also stolen, survived the assault and is reportedly in stable condition.
Governor Peter Mbah had earlier ordered a swift crackdown to ensure all responsible for Aniagu’s murder are held accountable. The police assured that they will continue their manhunt to bring the remaining suspects to justice, honouring the governor’s mandate for heightened security in the state.
