By Austin Ogwuda
….Ex-gov Okowa extolling Justice Okogwu as a fearless and just Judge
Digging into the archives , this Reporter recalled the story he filed to Lagos when the little daughter of the Asaba-born slain Judge, Justice Ifeoma Okogwu (retired) was kidnapped some years ago as VANGUARD’s State Correspondent in Asaba then.
It was published on January 25, 2012.
*By Austin Ogwuda
Asaba — A kidnap suspect, who claimed to be a law student at the University of Benin, Christopher Oyana, has been arraigned along with one other before a Delta State High Court sitting in Asaba, on a five–count charge of kidnapping the seven-year-old daughter of a female High Court judge in the state.
Delta State Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Mamuzo Erebe, leading the team of state counsel, told the court that the said “Christopher Oyana and Felix Ekpo, on or about March 8, 2009, in Asaba, within Asaba judicial division, with intent to deprive Ifeoma Okogwu, female, the mother of the child of seven years, forcibly took her away and detained her.”
Prosecution further told the court that the accused persons “demanded the sum of N2 million cash from Ifeoma Okogwu, with threats of killing her child, if the said demand was not complied with”.
She was an excellent Judge, ex Governor Okowa attests
On 21st March 2017, former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa Okowa while receiving retiring Justice Ifeoma Okogwu on a farewell visit to him at Government House, Asaba commended her for her meritorious service to the State.
Okowa while appreciating the Judiciary in the State commended them for their boldness, support and understanding as he assured them (Judiciary) of the cooperation of the Executive arm in providing conducive working environment for them.
*Delta State Police Command’s update on the alleged assassination of the Judge.
Delta State Police Command on its part on Sunday gave an update and how they have spread the dragnet to catch the runaway security guard who was supposed to be on duty that very night she was murderer in cold blood.
The press release from the Command’s Public Relations Unit which directly fingered the said security guard, is hereby reproduced verbatim.
*Delta CP Olufemi Abaniwonda
PRESS RELEASE
MURDER OF JUSTICE IFEOMA OKOGWU (RTD)
COMMISSIONER OF POLICE CONDOLES WITH THE FAMILY OF THE DECEASED AND ASSURES THEM OF JUSTICE
On the 24th of November 2025, the DPO ‘A’ Division Asaba received a complaint from the brother of Justice Ifeoma Okogwu (Rtd) that he visited her residence only to discover her lifeless body in the sitting room with her hands, legs and mouth tied. Upon receipt of the complaint, the DPO swiftly led men to her residence, where the corpse was evacuated and taken to the mortuary for autopsy. One suspect, Lucky Matthew, has been arrested, while the principal suspect, Godwin Vanem, is presently at large.
On the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Delta State CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (Homicide section) for discreet investigation. Preliminary investigation revealed that the said Godwin Vanem is suspected of having committed the dastardly act and fled the apartment. The command has launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspect.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, on behalf of the command, condoles with the family of the deceased and assures them of justice.
Anyone with any useful information that can help in the investigation can reach the command through any of the following emergency numbers.
– 08036684974
– 08114895600
– 08025666914
SP. EDAFE BRIGHT, ANIPR, FCIA, FIPMD
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
DELTA STATE COMMAND,
ASABA.
*The slain Judge, Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
