JUSTICE SILENCED: Shock and Fear Grip Asaba as Retired Delta High Court Judge Found Murdered in Her Home

The city of Asaba was thrown into deep shock and fear on Saturday following the gruesome discovery of retired Delta State High Court Judge, Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, found murdered inside her home under mysterious and chilling circumstances. The unsettling development has sparked intense public concern, prompting a full-scale investigation by the Delta State Police Command as residents struggle to comprehend how such a horrific act could unfold in one of the capital city’s relatively quiet neighbourhoods.

Justice Okogwu, a respected legal mind known for her poise, fairness, and unwavering commitment to justice during her years on the bench, was found dead in her sitting room at No. 8 Tom Halen Street, behind IBTC Bank, Asaba. According to sources, the scene that greeted responders was deeply disturbing. Her hands and legs had been tightly bound, and her mouth gagged with a wrapper—pointing to a violent struggle and a deliberate attempt to silence her. Security sources who spoke to Zagazola Makama confirmed that the retired judge appeared to have been overpowered within her home, though the details of how the perpetrators gained entry remain under investigation.

It was her brother, Emeka Okogwu, who made the horrifying discovery early Saturday morning. According to police reports, he had gone to check on his sister when he noticed something unusual in the compound. Upon entering the house and finding her unresponsive, he alerted the police around 8:00 a.m., triggering immediate deployment of patrol teams to the residence. Officers cordoned off the area, launching an initial sweep of the premises and detaining individuals connected to the household’s security arrangements.

One of the most critical early developments in the case is the arrest of the on-duty security guard, identified as Lucky Matthew, who is now being interrogated by investigators. Another security guard, Godwin Vanen, is reportedly missing and currently being tracked by authorities. The disappearance of a key household staff member has added a fresh layer of suspicion to the unfolding investigation, and police sources indicate that locating Vanen is now a top priority.

Justice Okogwu’s body was evacuated from the residence and deposited at Maduemeie Hospital Mortuary in Asaba for formal examination and autopsy. Early indications show that the motive behind the killing remains unclear. Whether it was a targeted attack, a robbery gone wrong, or a crime involving individuals familiar with the premises has not yet been established. Detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Asaba, have since taken over the case, with assurances from the police hierarchy that nothing will be left to chance in unraveling the truth.

Residents of Tom Halen Street and surrounding areas are still reeling from the shock of the brutal murder. Many expressed disbelief that such an audacious act could happen in their neighbourhood, describing the late judge as a peaceful and well-respected member of the community. One resident noted that Justice Okogwu lived a quiet life, rarely involved in any disputes, making the incident all the more baffling and troubling.

Security experts have begun weighing in on the incident, warning that the killing underscores the urgent need for heightened vigilance, especially regarding private security personnel in residential areas. With incidents involving security guards increasingly drawing scrutiny, experts argue that homeowners and residents must ensure proper vetting, registration, and monitoring of domestic and security staff. The unsettling disappearance of one of the judge’s security guards has already fueled speculation that the attack may have involved individuals with inside knowledge of her household routines.

Meanwhile, the police say they are gathering forensic evidence from the crime scene to support their investigation. This includes fingerprints, possible DNA samples, and any identifiable materials left behind by the attackers. Officers are also reviewing possible CCTV footage in the vicinity, interviewing neighbours, and attempting to reconstruct the events leading up to the killing.

The gruesome nature of Justice Okogwu’s death has sparked a wave of anxiety across Asaba, with many residents calling for increased police patrols and improved security presence throughout the city. The incident comes at a time when concerns over safety have been on the rise, prompting calls for authorities to intensify intelligence gathering and community–police collaboration.

In a statement issued on Saturday afternoon, the Delta State Police Command assured the public of its commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice. The command emphasized that investigators are exploring all leads and working tirelessly to uncover those responsible. “We will not rest until the killers are identified, arrested, and prosecuted,” a police spokesperson said, urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities by providing any useful information.

The tragic murder of Justice Ifeoma Okogwu has not only robbed Delta State of a distinguished legal figure but has also raised broader questions about safety, trust, and the vulnerability of even the most respected members of society. Her death casts a dark shadow over Asaba, a city that now finds itself grappling with a sense of insecurity and disbelief. As the investigation unfolds, one thing remains painfully clear: a community is in mourning, a family is shattered, and a once-vibrant voice in the pursuit of justice has been brutally and irrevocably silenced.

Authorities continue to appeal to anyone with information about the case to come forward, stressing that even the smallest detail could be crucial in piecing together what happened in the final hours of the retired judge’s life. Until then, the residents of Asaba wait anxiously for answers, hoping that justice—one of the very values Justice Okogwu dedicated her life to—will prevail.