Governor of Abia state, Okezie Ikpeazu on Thursday, confirmed that the armed security personnel who allegedly shot and killed a commercial motorcyclist in a community near Aba, has been arrested.
The deceased, Chimaobi Uzoukwa, was reportedly shot for allegedly refusing to part with N100 bribe at Ohanze military checkpoint. After commiting the dreadful act, the suspect was said to have immediately fled the area after.
According to a release issued by Onyebuchi Ememanka, the governor’s chief press secretary, Ikpeazu announced the arrest of the suspect, when he paid a condolence visit to the bereaved family at Umuokereke Ngwa community in Obingwa local government area of the state.
He promised to do his best to ensure that the deceased, who left behind a pregnant wife, two sons and an aged mother, gets justice.
Ikpeazu, who gave the name of the suspect as “Cpl Ajayi”, said the fleeing soldier was arrested on Wednesday, August 7 and is currently being detained.
He described the killing of the 30-year-old okada rider as callous, malicious, unprofessional and cowardly. He expressed sadness that a security personnel, who was paid and maintained with tax payers money, could turn around to kill the person he was paid to protect.
Ikpeazu said that the circumstances surrounding the killing were unacceptable to the government and people of Abia.