Delta State Police uncovered chilling details in the murder of Chigozie Udalor, a fishpond manager in Akwukwu Igbo.
His cousin reported him missing on December 12, 2024, after he vanished two days earlier while managing the site.
Authorities swiftly escalated the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, following directives from Commissioner CP Olufemi Abaniwonda.
CSP Aliyu Shaba, DPO Ekpan, spearheaded a tech-driven probe, merging forensic analysis with community intelligence.
Meanwhile, breakthroughs emerged on March 31, 2025, when officers arrested David Tacho withdrawing money from Udalor’s Moniepoint account.
Police also detained Daniel Orshio, linking both to the murder alongside two fugitives—Victor Tacho and Pius Daniel.
Investigators revealed the quartet, employed by Udalor, conspired after discovering funds in his mobile banking app.
They ambushed him at the fishpond, bludgeoning his head with a hammer before burial in a shallow grave.
Exhumation confirmed Udalor’s remains, now awaiting autopsy to establish further evidence.
Authorities intensified manhunts for Victor and Pius, urging locals to report suspicious activities or hideouts.
CP Abaniwonda assured residents of justice, emphasizing the need for trust in employer-worker dynamics. “This tragedy highlights vulnerabilities we must address collectively,” he stated during a press briefing.
The case underscores rising concerns over financial-motivated crimes in rural Delta communities. Locals expressed shock, describing Udalor as diligent and respected, making his betrayal by staff inconceivable.
Forensic teams scoured the fishpond, retrieving the hammer and ropes used in the crime. Detectives traced transaction logs, exposing David’s failed withdrawal attempts days after the murder.
Relatives demanded swift trials, criticizing initial delays in the probe. “Chigozie deserved better protection,” his widow lamented, calling for stricter labor vetting processes statewide.
Community leaders partnered with police, organizing vigilante patrols to deter similar atrocities. Youth groups also launched awareness campaigns on workplace safety and fraud prevention.
Despite progress, challenges persist in tracking Victor and Pius, believed to have fled beyond Delta. Interpol assistance remains an option if cross-border links emerge.
Udalor’s death has ignited debates on rural security gaps, with lawmakers pushing for enhanced surveillance in isolated business hubs. Critics argue poor infrastructure hampers rapid police responses.
The victim’s family now seeks closure, awaiting autopsy results and court proceedings. “We trust the system will punish his killers,” Udalor’s brother declared during a memorial service.
As investigations continue, authorities pledged transparency, promising weekly updates to ease public anxiety. The case serves as a grim reminder of greed’s destructive potential.
Delta’s police command reaffirmed its commitment to modernizing crime-fighting tools, including AI-powered monitoring and community tip lines. Such measures aim to prevent recurrences while rebuilding citizen trust.
For now, Akwukwu Igbo mourns a beloved manager, its tranquility shattered by brutality. Justice for Udalor remains the community’s collective cry, echoing beyond Delta’s borders.