Police nab prime suspect, launch manhunt for others over killing of AE-FUNAI student

Mr Maxwell Okeke, the prime suspect in the kidnapping and murder of a student at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike lkwo (AE-FUNAI) in Ebonyi State, has been apprehended by police.

The principal suspect, Ogobuchi Uhuo, a native of Ohankwu village in Ndufu-Alike, was apprehended in Port Harcourt, Rivers State’s capital, following a manhunt.

According to a source who confirmed the arrest, Uhuo has been a terror to students and members of his community for a long time.

Recall that Okeke (the deceased) was abducted and killed by unknown persons early this month.

According to a student of the institution, the university community became worried after he was declared missing.

The source further said his decomposing body was later found near a river in the community.

The institution’s management had in a statement through the Public Relations Officer, Elom Iyke Ubochi fingered Uhuo as the prime suspect in the abduction and killing of Mr Okeke.

“It is with great concern that we inform the university community of the abduction of Magnus Okeke, an extra year student of the Department of Accountancy on June 1, 2024.

“The incident occurred outside the university campus while on his way back to the private hostel where he resides at Ohankwu village, Ndufu-Alike Community”, Mr Elom said.

He noted that since the unfortunate incident happened, the University Management through its Directorate of Security Affairs has been working closely with the police and other security agencies to ensure his safe rescue from his captors.

He noted that preliminary reports from security agencies shows that the alleged perpetrators of the heinous crime were criminal youth elements from Ohankwu village led by one Ogobuchi Uhuo, popularly known as OG Royal.

“The security agencies have apprehended some of those alleged to be involved in the abduction of Magnus, and did everything possible to rescue him alive.

“Unfortunately, on Monday, 17th June, 2024, the decomposing body of Magnus was painfully recovered under the bridge of Ako stream at Nwakpu village, along Ikwo/Abakaliki road”, he said

Ebonyi State Police command’s spokesperson, DSP Joshua Ukandu confirmed the arrest of the suspect.

Meanwhile, students of the institution have lamented the unfair treatment and attacks on them by members of the host community.

A student, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the students have been subjected to various forms of violence in the past from members of the community.

“Please we want the federal government to be aware of how the youths of this community treat students.

“They always find excuses to beat up some students. Security agencies and the government should come to our aid,” the student said.