RIVERS POLICE ARREST SUSPECT FOR ALLEGED MURDER IN ETCHE, RECOVER VICTIM’S REMAINS FROM SHALLOW GRAVE. (PHOTO).

 Rivers Police Arrest Suspect for Alleged Murder in Etche, Recover Victim’s Remains from Shallow Grave

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 29-year-old man, Robinson Uche, in connection with the alleged murder of 42-year-old Shedrack Ogadinma Chukwem from Umuemeshie community in Igbo-Etche, Etche Local Government Area.

Operatives attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit, Emuohia Annex, apprehended the suspect on March 6, 2026, following intensive and sustained investigative efforts, according to police authorities.

The command revealed that Uche has confessed to his involvement in the killing, which took place on December 17, 2025. In his statement, the suspect claimed he and four other accomplices were allegedly hired by one Chief Elijah Okere to abduct the victim and bring him to Okere’s palace.

The operation reportedly went awry during the encounter, resulting in the victim being shot dead. The group is said to have subsequently transported the body to a bush in Ekerre-Ugbor, Etche, where they buried it in a shallow grave.

Acting on the suspect’s confession and guidance, police operatives recovered the remains from the burial site. The body has since been deposited at the Military Hospital mortuary for autopsy and further examination.

The Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrest and recovery, stating: “The suspect confessed to his involvement in the crime and provided details that led operatives to the burial site where the remains were recovered.”

The command disclosed that efforts are actively ongoing to apprehend the remaining four suspects, who are currently at large, as well as the alleged principal contractor, Chief Elijah Okere.

Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, reassured residents of the state’s determination to ensure justice in the matter. “We remain resolute in pursuing all individuals connected to this crime and ensuring that justice is served,” the CP declared.