Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Imo State Police Command have exhumed the remains of Ikemefula Ikem, an automobile engineer who was abducted and killed by his captors.
The victim was kidnapped in November 2025 and held for seven days in a forest around the Otulu/Mgbidi community in Oru West Local Government Area. Despite the payment of a ₦7 million ransom by his family, he was later murdered by his abductors.
Leading journalists to the burial site, the Unit Commander, ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, revealed that the body had been hidden in a shallow grave within the forest.
Police investigations identified the prime suspect as Odidika Okwuegbulem, an alleged kidnapping kingpin from the Mgbidi community. He reportedly collected the ransom and the victim’s Highlander Jeep.
Further findings showed that the suspect was allegedly contracted by ThankGod Ezegbuo, the victim’s former employer, who accused him of arrogance and flaunting wealth. Ezegbuo allegedly offered ₦1.5 million for the operation but paid only ₦500,000.
The suspects claimed the death was unintended, stating they had planned to release the victim before his demise. They later buried him to conceal the crime.
The remains have been deposited at the Federal University Teaching Hospital morgue, while police intensify efforts to apprehend fleeing suspects.
