The Police Command in Benue has confirmed the arrest of one Aondohemba Joseph over the death of Justice Margaret Igbetar, a retired President, Benue Customary Court of Appeal.
The State’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Saturday in Makurdi.
Until her death, 73-year-old Mrs Igbetar, who retired from service on October 17, 2015, was said to have been living a private life and was hardly seen in public.
The police spokesperson said the judge was found in a pool of her own blood in her kitchen on Friday, with deep cuts on her back.
“On Aug. 24, information was received at ‘E’ Police Division Makurdi, that Justice Margaret Igbetar (rtd), could not respond to calls and was no where to be found. Detectives were immediately deployed for investigation.
“A search conducted within her house at Wantor Kwange Street, Gboko Road, Makurdi, led to the discovery of her body in a pool of blood inside her kitchen. It was also observed that she had deep cuts on her back.
“Further investigation led to the arrest of one Aondohemba Joseph, and recovery of exhibits for detailed investigation,” the Police spokesperson said in the statement.
The statement further quoted the State Commissioner of Police, Bartholomew Onyeka, to have strongly “condemned the dastardly act”.
Mr Onyeka further assured that he would unravel the mystery behind the death and bring the perpetrators to book.
Mrs Igbetar was born on October 17, 1950, in Mbape, Shangev-ya, Tsar-Mbaduku, in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State.