By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Suspicion and confusion now surround the death of a retired Delta State High Court judge, Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, who was discovered lifeless in her Asaba home under circumstances her family believes point to foul play.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday night at her residence behind The Pointer Newspapers, came to light on Monday morning when family members arrived and found the house in disarray.
The late jurist, known for her strict stance on justice and discipline during her years on the bench, was reportedly found in conditions that immediately raised concerns about a possible attack.
Her brother, Ogbueshi Godfrey Okogwu, confirmed the family’s fears while speaking to The Pointer. He said they strongly believe she was murdered. “My eldest sister was murdered in her house on Sunday night. We only received the news on Monday morning,” he said.
More disturbing for the family is the disappearance of the night security guard assigned to the property. Efforts to trace him have failed, fuelling speculation that he may know more about the incident than he has been able or willing to reveal.
According to the bereaved brother, the morning guard claimed he met the gate wide open when he resumed duty. “He said he just sat there. Sat there doing what? I do not know,” he remarked, questioning the guards’ role in securing the premises.
Sources familiar with the early investigation disclosed that the house appeared ransacked, giving the impression that the attackers may have restrained the retired judge before killing her.
The family has since submitted details of the private security company responsible for the guards, as detectives expand their inquiries into the background and conduct of those posted to the home.
Police operatives have detained the morning guard for interrogation and invited the owner of the security company. It remains unclear if the company chief has reported to investigators.
Confirming the situation, the spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, said two suspects were currently in custody while one of the guards was at large.
As detectives dig deeper into what many now describe as a puzzling and troubling case, the family is urging the authorities to leave no stone unturned. “Only God knows what truly happened,” Ogbueshi Okogwu said. “We await the outcome of police investigations.”