“We killed her because she recognized me” – Former employee confesses to murder of ex-Edo lawmaker’s cook

Two suspects have narrated how they killed a 38-year-old cook of former lawmaker and minority chief whip of the Edo State House Assembly, Hon. Ezehi MD Igbas, in Uromi, Esan North-East local government of the state.

WITHIN NIGERIA recalls that Mary Atule, the cook of Ezehi Igbas, was killed by a yet-to-be-identified guard, who slit her throat.

According to Standard Gazette, the suspects, Atiku Yohanna, a Kano indigene, who used to work for Igbas, stormed and forced their way into the various rooms of the ex-lawmaker’s country home in Uromi, with his accomplice, Obed Sai, to rob at about 8pm on March 31, 2022.

The suspects ransacked all parts, looking for valuables.

The cook walked in on them and immediately identified Atiku and raised the alarm.

The duo attacked Mary with a machete killing her on the spot, then dragged her lifeless body inside a cupboard before fleeing the scene.

The incident led to an outrage in the community as many accused Hon. Igbas of murder which led to his arrest.

Igbas was detained at the state Police headquarters for three days as the police continued their investigations.

Luck came to Hon. Igbas way a few days ago after police intercepted and arrested the suspects in Uromi on suspicion of killing the domestic worker.

The arrest of the suspects who later confessed how they allegedly murdered the woman led to the release of Hon Igbas.

Speaking to Standard Gazette, Yohanna said they killed the cook because she recognised him.

“I worked in the house as a security guard for some months and left to be riding a motorcycle. I needed money and told my friend to join me to attack the house so we could get money to send to my state, Kano,” Yohanna said.

“After we finished from the house, we saw aunty Mary who shouted my name. I told my other colleague that we should just kill her. We used cutlass to cut her neck and head three times before she died. I am ashamed now after my arrest”

The state police spokesperson, SP Bello Kontongs, who confirmed the arrest said the two suspects would be thoroughly investigated to ascertain if they have carried out a similar crime in other parts of Edo state.

“I can assure you that the two suspects will be charged to court for murder.” he added.