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PORT HARCOURT – Officers of the Rumupakani Police Division attached to the Rivers State Police Command have arrested a man in his mid-30s for allegedly killing his father, Captain David Nwoke, a retired pilot, during a suspected property dispute at Oro Ekpo Estate, Ada George, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday morning, was allegedly triggered by the deceased’s decision to sell one of his properties, a move residents claimed angered his son.
A resident of the estate, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said security personnel at the estate alerted residents around 10 a.m. that one of the landlords had allegedly been killed by his son.
“On Saturday morning, at about 10 a.m., we received a distress call from the security personnel at the estate gate that one of our landlords had been killed by his son. We rushed to the scene and found the man lying in a pool of his blood.
“The victim was Captain David Nwoke, a retired pilot. From what we gathered, by the time we got there, his son had already stabbed him to death. We immediately alerted the police, who responded promptly. The suspect was arrested, while the victim’s body was evacuated to the morgue under police supervision,” the resident said.
The source further alleged that the suspect had a history of violent behaviour towards his father, claiming he had repeatedly harassed and assaulted the deceased before the fatal incident.
According to the resident, Captain Nwoke had decided to sell the house where some of his children were living because of their alleged misconduct.
“He sold the house where they were living, and the young man became enraged. We were told that he attacked his father from upstairs. The deceased came downstairs bleeding, but the suspect allegedly followed him and stabbed him repeatedly until he died.
“It appeared to be a premeditated act rather than an accident. From all indications, he had planned to kill his father,” the source added.
“The incident occurred at Oro Ekpo Estate in the Rumupekirikom area of Obio/Akpor, near the Gateway axis and close to Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church.”
The resident however urged the authorities to ensure the suspect is prosecuted if found culpable.
“The law should take its full course, regardless of who is involved. This should serve as a deterrent to other young people. They should work hard and understand that their parents have the right to dispose of their property as they deem fit,” he said.
Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Office of the Rivers State Police Command, Assistant Superintendent of Police Blessing Agabe, said the suspect is in police custody while investigations are ongoing.
“I can confirm that the suspect is in police custody. Investigations have commenced with a view to ensuring that justice is served,” Agabe said.
