Police Arrest Man Over Alleged Murder of Father in Rivers

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a man for allegedly hacking his father to death during a domestic dispute at Ada George in Port Harcourt.

The command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, confirmed the arrest while speaking with journalists on Thursday, saying the suspect, believed to be in his mid-30s, allegedly attacked his father with a machete, inflicting fatal injuries.

She disclosed that the incident occurred on Sunday and that the Suspect is currently in Police custody, while detectives have commenced a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.

“Investigations have commenced with a view to ensuring that justice is served,” Agabe said, adding that more details would be released as the investigation progresses.

An eyewitness, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, identified the deceased as retired marine captain, Davide Nwoke.

According to the source, the incident was allegedly triggered by a disagreement over family property after the deceased concluded arrangements to relocate to his hometown in the South-East and shared parts of his estate among his children.

The source alleged that the suspect, said to be the son of the deceased’s second wife, received his share of the property but later demanded ownership of his father’s car.

“The young man insisted that his father should not retire to the village with the vehicle. After his demand was rejected, the disagreement escalated,” the eyewitness claimed.

He further alleged that the Suspect hid inside the family residence and waited for his father to return from his routine morning exercise before launching the attack.

According to the witness, the deceased had barely entered the upstairs section of the house when the Suspect allegedly emerged from hiding and repeatedly attacked him with a machete.

The eyewitness also claimed that a domestic worker who attempted to intervene was attacked and forced to flee for safety.

Despite sustaining severe injuries, the victim reportedly managed to run downstairs, but the Suspect allegedly pursued him and continued the assault until he succumbed to his injuries.

The source further alleged that the Suspect took the deceased’s car keys after the attack and locked himself inside one of the rooms in the house.

Neighbours were alerted by the housekeeper, who contacted the police. Officers from the Rumuokpani Police Division reportedly responded to the distress call, secured the scene and arrested the suspect.

The Police have assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway and that anyone found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

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