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Two suspects arrested for murder in Shell office

By Kelvin Ebiri, Port Harcourt
18 November 2017   |   4:14 am
Forensic detectives have arrested two suspects, who allegedly murder one Mr Cletus Onyekwele, in his office at the industrial area of Shell Petroleum Development Company headquarters, in Port Harcourt.

Shell Petroleum Development Company

Forensic detectives have arrested two suspects, who allegedly murder one Mr Cletus Onyekwele, in his office at the industrial area of Shell Petroleum Development Company headquarters, in Port Harcourt.

The Rivers State Police Commissioner, Zaki Ahmed, said the police, in course of the investigation, arrested the suspects, Kingsley Nwankor and Joseph Francis, through the use of forensic science and DNA samples obtained.

Ahmed explained that the deceased Onyekwele, who was a staff of Alfamead Nigeria ltd, a sub-contracting firm with Shell was found dead in his pool of blood inside his office at Shell headquarters in Port Harcourt at about 11: 45pm  on 13 April, 2017.

He said as soon as the matter was reported, the Divisional Police Officer, Elekahia Division led a police team to the scene, where they carefully condoned and preserve the scene, after evacuating the deceased.

In a bid to unravel this rare murder, he said the case was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SIID) with the main focus on the use of forensic science.

According to him, the police collected DNA samples pieces of physical evidence and eyewitnesses’ account were deployed in tacking the case.

Ahmed said in the course of the investigation, a total of fifty suspects made up of contract and security staff of Shell were arrested for questioning, after which they were unconditional released on bail after relevant forensic exhibits were obtained from them for procession in appropriate laboratories for analysis within and outside the country.

“This effort paid off handsomely when after three months of submitting the forensic exhibits, a match was found belonging to one of the profiles earlier sent, identified as that of Kingsley Nwankor (40 years) staff of M.B and C Investment Ltd, a sub contracting firm with SPDC) he said.

He stated that after Kingsley was confronted with overwhelming evidence, particularly the presence of his DNA at the crime scene, coupled with other demining pieces of evidence, he broke down in tears and confessed to have carried out the acts that led to the dead of the deceased.

“His confession led to the arrest of the second suspect, Joseph Francis, 37 years, also a staff of MB and C Investment who is currently helping us in our investigation” he said.

The Commissioner of Police pointed out the command has made a breakthrough not only through the use of sophisticated forensic technology, but has secured justice for the family of the deceased and equally guaranteed a safer environment for all workers and visitors with Shell headquarters.

Ahmed, who said he was elated by the arrest of the culprits, pointed out that this case highlights the importance of the use of forensic tools in criminal investigation.

According to him, upon the successful prosecution, this case will find its place in the annals of remarkable breakthrough by the police.

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