One arrested as police launch investigations into murder of retired justice in Delta

Monday, December 1, 2025 - The Delta State Police Command has arrested one suspect over the m8rder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu. 

 The victim was found lifeless at her Asaba residence with her hands and legs tied and her mouth covered with a wrapper on Monday morning, November 24, 2025.

The spokesperson for the command, SP Bright Edafe, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, November 30, said one suspect, Lucky Mathew, the on-duty security guard, has been arrested while the principal suspect is presently at large and being sought. 

“On the 24th of November 2025, the DPO ‘A’ Division Asaba received a complaint from the brother of Justice Ifeoma Okogwu (Rtd) that he visited her residence only to discover her lifeless body in the sitting room with her hands, legs and mouth tied,” the statement read.

"Upon receipt of the complaint, the DPO swiftly led men to her residence, where the corpse was evacuated and taken to the mortuary for autopsy. One suspect, Lucky Matthew, has been arrested, while the principal suspect, Godwin Vanem, is presently at large. 

"On the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Delta State CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (Homicide section) for discreet investigation. 

"Preliminary investigation revealed that the said Godwin Vanem is suspected of having committed the dastardly act and fled the apartment. The command has launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspect. 

"The Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, on behalf of the command, condoles with the family of the deceased and assures them of justice. 

“Anyone with any useful information that can help in the investigation can reach the command through any of the following emergency numbers 08036684974 08114895600 08025666914.” 

 Okogwu's then seven-year-old daughter was kidnapped in 2009.