A 31-year-old man, Kelechi Nwofurum (also reported as Kelechi Wufurum or Kelechi Nwofuru), has been arrested by the Rivers State Police Command for allegedly murdering a 51-year-old commercial minibus driver, Ifeanyi Abobo, and selling the victim’s vehicle for ₦2.4 million.
The incident took place in Ubima community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. According to police reports, Nwofurum, a native of Ubima, lured the victim under the pretext of hiring him for a transport job to move wood or other items. The unsuspecting driver, Ifeanyi Abobo, drove to the location as agreed.
Upon reaching a secluded bush area, Nwofurum attacked Abobo. He reportedly struck the driver repeatedly on the head with a stick, wood, and a machete (cutlass). When Abobo attempted to resist and defend himself, the suspect continued the brutal assault until the victim became unconscious and collapsed. Nwofurum then drove away with the minibus and the victim’s mobile phone.
The Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrest while addressing journalists at the command headquarters in Port Harcourt. She revealed that the Police Special Operations and Intelligence Team launched a discreet investigation after the incident was reported and successfully apprehended the suspect along with accomplices involved in disposing of the stolen items.
Nwofurum has confessed to the crime. In his statement, he admitted negotiating with the bus driver for a supposed job, then using a stick to attack him upon arrival at the isolated spot to prevent resistance. He overpowered Abobo and took the vehicle.
He contacted his cousin, Azubuike Onyemachi (also spelled Oyemechi), to help sell the bus. The cousin linked him to a motor parts dealer, Ubu Basille Ikenna (also referred to as Ugo Ikenna or Ugubasil Ikenna), who allegedly purchased the stolen minibus for ₦2.4 million. The vehicle was later resold to another buyer for ₦3.44 million. The victim’s Infinix mobile phone was sold separately for ₦45,000.
Police also arrested the buyer and other individuals connected to the disposal of the vehicle and phone. The victim’s body has been exhumed for further investigation and autopsy.
The police have described Nwofurum as a suspected serial killer linked to similar cases of luring commercial drivers under false pretences, murdering them, and stealing their vehicles in different parts of the state. Investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court once the process is completed.
CSP Iringe-Koko warned members of the public to exercise caution when purchasing used vehicles or other valuables, urging them to always verify proof of ownership to avoid unwittingly dealing in proceeds of crime.
The case has once again highlighted the rising incidents of violent crime targeting commercial drivers in Rivers State.
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