Family cries out as Enugu man’s killers remain at large

The family of Prince Ikechukwu Oloto, popularly known as Okangamo, has expressed concern over what it described as a prolonged investigation into his alleged murder, calling on security agencies to expedite efforts to apprehend his killers.

PUNCH Metro gathered that Oloto was brutally hacked to death by unidentified persons at his residence on Oloto Street, Odenigbo, Nsukka, in the Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, on September 17, 2026.

Speaking with PUNCH Metro on the telephone on Sunday, the deceased’s cousin, Collins Ogbu, who spoke on behalf of the family, said they had taken the matter to the Inspector-General of Police but were still awaiting feedback on the investigation.

“The entire matter has been reported directly to the Inspector-General of Police. This is just a way of reminding them to follow up on the case.

“The family has not received any communication from the police regarding suspects or any development in the investigation,” he said.

Ogbu, who said he was unaware of any dispute that could have led to the killing, described his cousin as a peaceful person who did not go looking for trouble.

“To the best of my knowledge, I do not think he was quarrelling with anyone. He was not someone who went looking for trouble. I do not know of anyone he had a serious disagreement with or who could be considered an enemy. I would prefer not to speculate about what I do not know.

“However, from the nature of the attack, particularly the use of a cutlass on his neck and the condition of the body, it appears that he might have struggled with his attackers.

“I do not think it was the work of just one person because, if it had been one person, the struggle would probably have been more difficult,” he added.

Recounting how the body was discovered, Ogbu said Oloto lived alone and rarely opened his gate to people he did not know, suggesting that his attackers might have been familiar to him.

He rarely opened his gate to strangers. He was divorced and lived alone in his house.

“Therefore, whoever gained access to the house must have been someone he knew very well or someone with whom he had some dealings. Apparently, he must have come out to open the gate for them.

“A friend or in-law of his was passing in front of the house and called out to him, but there was no response. The gate was open, so the person entered and continued calling his name, but nobody answered.

“When he tried to go up the staircase, he saw the body lying on the floor. He immediately came out and raised the alarm, attracting the attention of other residents.

“The television was also playing at a very high volume when they arrived. That was how they eventually discovered what had happened. The incident happened inside his house,” he said.

Ogbu, who is the president of the Ibagwa-Ani Development Initiative, said some members of the deceased’s family also belonged to the group.

Meanwhile, in a statement on Saturday, the Ibagwa-Ani Development Initiative condemned what it described as the failure of security agencies to arrest the perpetrators more than 46 days after Oloto was killed.

The group described the deceased as the first son of Chief Frank Oloto, who served as the secretary of the defunct Nigerian Peoples Party in old Anambra State during the Second Republic.

It expressed concern over the delay in the investigation and demanded an urgent probe to ensure justice for the deceased.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss of life and profoundly alarmed by the circumstances surrounding his death.

“This heinous incident has inflicted immense pain on his family, friends, and the wider Ibagwa-Ani community, while significantly heightening security anxieties across the region,” the statement read.

The group called on the Enugu State Government, federal and state legislators, relevant law enforcement agencies and the Nsukka Local Government authorities to launch a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the killing.

“We urge the authorities to act without fear, favour, or undue delay. The perpetrators must be identified, apprehended, and prosecuted to the full extent of the law, ensuring that due process and the rule of law are strictly upheld,” it added.

The group also appealed to members of the public with credible information about the incident to come forward and assist security agencies, while urging residents to refrain from actions capable of jeopardising the investigation.

It further called for the immediate strengthening of security measures in Ibagwa-Ani and neighbouring communities to reassure residents and prevent further loss of life.

The IDI extended its condolences to the deceased’s family and associates, pledging to monitor the progress of the investigation and prosecution.

“Justice for Okangamo must be swift, decisive, and complete,” the statement concluded.

Contacted on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Enugu State Police Command did not answer his phone calls, while WhatsApp messages sent to him seeking an update on the investigation had yet to receive a response as of the time of filing this report.