A 20-year-old self-confessed member of Aye confraternity, who was arrested by police in Imo State, has revealed that his members were responsible for the murder of a graduate of the Imo State University last August.
The deceased, identified simply as Chikabala, had gone to complete his clearance at the university, preparatory for the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, programme when he was attacked by suspected cultists in front of the school gate. His assailants reportedly shot him thrice and left him dead in a pool of blood.
Confirming the arrest of the suspect, identified as Obinna Chigozie Onuoha alias Nwa Pastor, spokesman for Imo State Police Command, Deputy Superintendent Andrew Ekwerem, explained that the suspect was arrested at a beach in Mechanic Village, Nekede, in Owerri West Local Government Area. He added that Onuoha had been on the command’s wanted list for robbery, murder and cultism.
I’ve killed 3—SUSPECTIn his confessional statement, Onuoha said: “I am a member of Aye cult group. We attack rival cultists anywhere, any day and any time. Since I joined the cult group, I have killed three persons. But I don’t attack rival cultists alone. Our members walk in group.
“Among those we have killed was Chibuike. I was the one that shot him at Douglas Road, Owerri. He was a member of a rival cult group. Another victim was Zaiki, who sold CD plates. I fired the shot that killed him at Ikenegbu Road. There was also a motorcyclist we killed at Mbaise Road.
“My members were responsible for the murder of Chikalaba in front of IMSU gate. We were five that carried out that attack. Their names are Shiba, Nonso, Freedom and Brano.
“Other members of our group are Black Fela, Owite, Pharoah and Ludacris. We kill rival group at sight because if we don’t, they will kill us.”
The Command spokesman disclosed that over 25 other suspects, who were involved in separate criminal acts, were arrested alongside Onuoha. Ekwerem explained that the arrest was “in line with Imo State Police Command’s Operation Nkpochapu Phase II (wipe out criminals). Some of the arrested suspects have been charged to court, while others are still undergoing thorough investigation.”
