Inyima Rules Out Politics in Brother’s Murder as Police Arrest Suspects

By  Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki

Ebonyi State Commissioner for Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Sunday Inyima, has dismissed suggestions that the murder of his younger brother, Egeonu Inyima, was politically motivated, as the police confirmed the arrest of suspects in connection with the killing.

Inyima described the claims as misleading and unsubstantiated, insisting that his brother was not involved in any political dispute before his death.

The commissioner spoke while receiving members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Ohaukwu Local Government Area, who visited his country home in Izhiangbo to commiserate with him over the incident.

He condemned the killing as barbaric and regrettable, warning against speculation capable of inflaming tensions in the area.

In a statement, Inyima urged the public to allow investigators to establish the facts, stressing that neither political interests nor personal influence should interfere with the pursuit of justice.

“Though I am severely traumatized by the gruesome murder of my younger brother, I would not want anyone to suffer unjustly. No innocent person should be roped in to suffer for a crime he or she did not commit,” he said.

He called on the police to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice, regardless of their status.

“Nobody, no matter who, including myself, should interfere in the matter. The legal process must be allowed to run its course until justice is fully served,” he added.

Confirming the incident, the Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, said some suspects had been arrested and investigations were ongoing. He said the command would provide further details after the investigation.

Egeonu was allegedly lured to a village primary school in Umuogudu-Oshia Ngbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area, where he was reportedly beaten to death. The circumstances surrounding the killing remain under investigation.

The Executive Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Paul Eze, and the member representing Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Eze Nwachukwu Eze, condemned the killing and called for justice.

They urged youths in the area to shun social vices and engage in productive activities, while calling on traditional rulers, town union executives and local vigilante groups to strengthen community efforts to prevent violence.

Similarly, former National Assembly member, Senator Anthony Agbo, expressed sadness over the killing and urged security agencies to establish its immediate and remote causes.

The incident comes against the backdrop of the reported killing of an elderly man, Elder Onwe Ubochi, in Osege village, Umuogudu-Oshia Ngbo, on August 17, 2026, by unidentified gunmen.

According to reports, the elderly man was killed after praying for the candidacies of three politicians affiliated with the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). However, no link between the two killings has been established.