The Imo State Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man, Uchenna Okpara, for allegedly stabbing his in-law, Uchenna Unakalamba, to death during an altercation involving their children in Ubomiri, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Sunday in Owerri, detailing that the incident occurred on Thursday.
Okoye said the argument between the two men escalated, prompting Okpara to attack Unakalamba with a broken bottle. Responding swiftly to a distress call, operatives of the anti-kidnapping unit apprehended the suspect and recovered the weapon used in the attack.
“The anti-kidnapping unit arrested 40-year-old Uchenna Okpara on January 16, 2025, for allegedly stabbing his in-law, Uchenna Unakalamba, to death following a minor dispute involving their children. The suspect was apprehended, and the weapon was recovered,” the statement read.
The police confirmed that Unakalamba was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His remains have since been deposited at the morgue, while Okpara remains in custody pending the completion of investigations and subsequent prosecution.
In a separate operation, the Imo State Police Command dismantled a suspected kidnap syndicate operating in Agwa, Oguta Local Government Area. A suspect, Ozioma Dike, was apprehended during a raid in a forest following credible intelligence.
According to Okoye, the anti-kidnapping operatives engaged the syndicate in a shootout, forcing other members to flee into the bush.
“The operation, which took place in a forest near Agwa, Oguta Local Government Area, led to the arrest of one suspect, Ozioma Dike, after an exchange of gunfire. Other members of the syndicate fled into the bushes,” Okoye stated.
Recovered from the suspect were a pump-action rifle loaded with seven live rounds of ammunition and an iPhone belonging to a victim kidnapped on January 8, 2025, in Ubomiri, Mbaitoli Local Government Area.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to participating in several kidnappings across Ubomiri, Ogbaku, and Ohii communities in Mbaitoli LGA.
Efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing members of the syndicate. Okoye assured residents of the state that the command remains committed to combating kidnapping and other criminal activities.
The Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, reaffirmed the command’s resolve to sustain peace and security across the state, urging citizens to support ongoing efforts to eliminate violent crimes.
