How Retired Benue Judge Murdered By Nephew, Driver, Two Others

Makurdi, Benue State -The Benue State Police Command has paraded four suspects in connection with the murder of retired President of the Benue State Customary Court, Justice Margaret Igbetar.

Justice Margaret Igbetar, aged 72, was murdered in her residence on Wantor Kwange Street in Makurdi metropolis on August 24, 2023.

During a press briefing held at the command headquarters in Makurdi on Tuesday, October 3, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Bartholomew Nnamdi Onyeka, unveiled key details of the ongoing investigation.

CP Onyeka disclosed that one of the suspects, identified as Aondohemba Joseph, who happened to be the deceased’s nephew, had confessed to his involvement in the heinous crime.

According to Joseph’s confession, he allegedly conspired with three other people to carry out the murder of his own aunt.

“You will recall that on 24th August, 2023, a case of Culpable Homicide involving the late Justice Margaret Mary Igbetar (RTD) was reported and I had promised to ensure that Justice is served. One Aondohemba Joseph, a Nephew of the deceased was arrested immediately,” the CP stated.

“A more detailed and advance investigation started when the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and handed over to the Operation Zenda investigative team to continue

“The suspect who eventually confessed to have planned and recruited other people to help him in killing his Aunty led a team of detectives to Adikpo, Kwande Local Government Area where the following suspects were arrested; Igbazenda Gbidye,63yrs old and Dzungwenen Ukor, 40yrs old

“These suspects admitted that, Aondohemba Joseph had reported to them that his father died and left so much property in the hands of his aunty (the deceased) and she has refused to hand the said property over to him. They agreed to join him in eliminating her so that he can have access to his property

“One Akuhwa Barnabas, 32yrs old, a driver to the deceased who was also arrested, corroborated their statements by admitting that he was the one who allowed the gang access to the house and manned the gate for them until they finished the assassination process.

“Let me use this opportunity to commend the good people of Benue state for their patience and cooperation. The command will continue to do its best to rid the state of crime.”