A self-proclaimed prophet, Osinachi Makuo, has been arrested by the police alongside 50-year-old Mrs. Nwabueze Maria, for allegedly conspiring to kill the woman’s ex-husband’s son, Ikenga Ezeny, in Imo State.
The police said the 34-year-old prophet and Maria conspired to abduct and cause grievous bodily harm and also attempted to murder the only son of Maria’s ex-husband.
The arrest followed a petition of conspiracy, abduction, attempted murder/grievous bodily harm written to the Commissioner of Police, Imo State, by one Ike Ezenyi of Umuehi Mgbidi in Oru West, the father of the victim, Ikenga Ezenyi ‘m’ aged 24yrs against the suspects.
The State Police Commissioner (CP) Ahmed Barde, while parading the suspects on Saturday said on receipt of the petition he promptly ordered a comprehensive investigation of the matter.
“The intelligent and curious detectives quickly swung into action and apprehended the suspects while the cohorts of the self–styled prophet are still at large,” he said.
CP Barde explained that investigation revealed that both suspects allegedly conspired and abducted Ikenga Ezenyi, took him to a Holy Sabbath Mission at Uzunamu Mgbidi in Orlu L.G.A for prayers and deliverance where both of his hands were tied to a tree for three days and his feet chained.
“The suspects equally tortured the victim severely in the most inhuman conditions till both of his palms were swollen, rotten and flesh ruptured before he was rescued by his father and youth of Uzunamu Community and taken to the hospital for treatment,” he said.
The victim’s hands were said to have been subsequently amputated at the hospital to save his life.
The CP said the suspects would be arraigned in court upon completion of the investigation.
The police boss cautioned Imo residents to be mindful of criminals who operate in disguise as prophets, prophetesses, prayer warriors, and healing homes to commit heinous crimes.
Barde also vowed to uncover all crimes of similar nature in the state; he equally encouraged residents not to hesitate in reporting abnormalities of similar nature and all other kinds of crimes to the police