Men of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested a suspect, identified as Emeka, who allegedly led the gang rape and murder of Mrs. Chigbewejim Steward, the wife of a pastor, in the Abarikpo community in Ahoada East Local Government Area.
The tragic incident occurred on February 12, 2023, following a quarrel between Emeka and Mrs. Steward earlier that day. According to reports, Emeka, along with his gang, broke into the Stewards' home at midnight, kidnapped Mrs. Steward, and took her to an unknown location where she was brutally gang-raped and strangled to death.
Lawyer Steward, the husband of the deceased and an Assistant Pastor with the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Abarikpo, confirmed Emeka’s arrest to newsmen on Thursday. “Emeka masterminded the death of my wife after he quarreled with her, saying she would see wickedness that day. Around 1 am on February 12, those bad boys came to my house, broke the door, and took my wife away,” he recounted.
Mrs. Steward was five months pregnant at the time of her death. Her body was found with multiple bruises and bleeding close to a fishing pond several hours after her abduction. She was known for her vocal stance against criminal and cult activities in the community.
The suspect fled the community upon learning that the police were pursuing him. However, he was eventually apprehended on Thursday. “The police arrested him, and he is now in custody. I have given my statement to the police. I want the government to ensure justice prevails,” Mr. Steward stated.
He also alleged that Emeka and his gang were members of the cult group ‘Iceland’ and that they took his wife to their hideout before raping and killing her.
When contacted, Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, indicated she would verify details from the Divisional Police Officer. As of the time of filing this report, she had yet to respond. However, a senior police officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that two other suspects were also arrested in connection with the crime and are in police custody.
