The Anambra State Police Command has arrested the personal driver of a Pentecostal bishop based in Asaba, Delta State, over the alleged murder of the cleric and theft of his Toyota Prado SUV.
The suspect, whose identity was initially withheld by police due to ongoing investigations, was apprehended alongside another suspect in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, while allegedly attempting to sell the stolen vehicle.
The slain cleric was identified in some reports as Bishop Clarence Chinedu Okonkwo of End-Reconciliation Ministry, Asaba.
Speaking during a press briefing in Awka on Wednesday, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, said the arrest followed a swift intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu.
According to the police commissioner, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, who served as the bishop’s driver and domestic staff, allegedly conspired with yet-to-be-identified accomplices to murder the cleric before fleeing with the victim’s Toyota Prado Jeep to Anambra State for sale.
Police operatives reportedly tracked the suspects to Nkpor after receiving credible intelligence about the attempted vehicle transaction.
The stolen SUV was recovered during the operation, while both suspects were taken into custody for further interrogation.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network linked to the killing.
The police also advised Nigerians to properly profile and verify domestic workers, drivers, and household employees before employment, stressing the importance of vigilance in order to prevent similar incidents.
