Imo Police exhume body of newly-married engineer buried in shallow grave by kidnappers

VAL OKARA, OWERRI

The Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) of the Imo State Police Command, has recorded a major breakthrough with the successful exhumation of the remains of an automobile engineer. Mr. Ikemefula who was newly married kidnapped and killed at Mgbidi in Oru-West local government area of the State.

The operation was carried operation out under the leadership of the the Unit Commander, ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa led the operation alongside tactical operatives headed by Inspector Chika Okebata.

The body was recovered from a shallow grave in the Otulu, Mgbidi forest five months after the tragic incident.

According to police findings, the prime suspect, Mr. Odidika Okwuegbulem, a notorious kidnapping kingpin from  Mgbidi area, abducted the victim, late Ikemefula, and collected a ransom of seven million Naira as well as including his Highlander Jeep.

According to their confessions, Mr. Okwuegbulem disclosed that Mr. ThankGod reported that his former apprentice, Mr. Ikemefula was becoming successful in his automobile businesses and displaying off his wealth.

Okwuegbulem allegedly accused ThankGod Ezegbuo of being envious against the successes and achievements of the deceased.

Despite the payment, the victim reportedly died in captivity within seven days while being held in a forest hideout used by the syndicate.

Mr. Okwuegbulem alleged that he was contracted by one Mr. ThankGod Ezegbuo  the former employer of the deceased, who allegedly offered him ₦1.5 million for the operation but paid only ₦500,000, leaving a balance of ₦1 million.

He further alleged that both Okwuegbulem and Ezegbuo conspired to bury the deceased in a shallow grave in the forest in November 2025.

The suspects claimed that the death of the victim was not intentional, stating that, plans were underway to release him before his demise.

However, after his death both suspects allegedly agreed to conceal the crime by burying the body at the forest location.

As part of ongoing investigations, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the State Police Command on Thursday, March 19, 2026, accompanied by journalists to the crime scene where the body was exhumed.

The Police Command has deposited the remains of remains of the deceased have been deposited at the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Owerri, for further examination.

Meanwhile, security has reportedly improved in Mgbidi and its environs following intensified operations by the police.

One suspected member of a kidnapping syndicate, identified as Mmiri, has been neutralized, while another high profile suspect Uraatu has been on the police wanted list.

The State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the ongoing crackdown on criminal elements across the state, assuring residents of continued efforts to ensure safety of the citizens.