By Deborah Nnamdi
Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested a 58-year-old man, Vitalis Nwoko, over the alleged murder of his wife, Uloma, in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of the state.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday night, saying the arrest followed a complaint lodged by the deceased’s sister at the Ahiazu Mbaise Divisional Headquarters.
According to the police, the complainant alleged that Nwoko violently assaulted his wife during a domestic dispute, after which she was rushed to a nearby hospital where she was confirmed dead.
“Operatives of the Ahiazu Mbaise Divisional Headquarters have arrested one Vitalis Nwoko (58), of Umuagba, Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, for the alleged murder of his wife, Uloma,” Okoye said. “The arrest followed a report lodged at the Division by the deceased’s sister, who alleged that the suspect violently assaulted his wife during a domestic dispute.”
He added that preliminary investigations revealed that a misunderstanding between the couple on December 11, 2025, escalated into a physical altercation.
“During preliminary investigation, the suspect stated that a misunderstanding between him and his wife escalated into a physical altercation, during which the victim collapsed. She was rushed to Cecilia Hospital, Ogbe, where she was confirmed dead by a medical doctor,” the police spokesman said.
Okoye disclosed that the suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Owerri, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
He also quoted the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Aboki Danjuma, as urging residents to promptly report cases of domestic violence, assuring that the Command would deal decisively with perpetrators.
Meanwhile, the Imo State Police Command has recorded other operational successes across the state. Last week, operatives neutralised two suspected kidnappers and arrested 12 suspects during separate operations.
DSP Okoye said officers of the Agwa Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, engaged a gang of kidnappers operating with a white mini bus along Obudi/Mgbala Road in Oguta Local Government Area, during which the body of a kidnap victim was recovered.
In another operation, officers of the Nekede Division in Owerri West Local Government Area arrested 12 suspects at Umuezeruokam Forest, recovering 12 mobile phones, arms, ammunition, and other dangerous weapons. The recovered body has been deposited in a morgue, while investigations continue.
