ABIA State Police Command says it has arrested 20 suspects in connection with the murder of the traditional ruler of Ugwuleru autonomous community in Umunneochi Local Government Area of the state.
The traditional ruler, Eze Iroha Nwankwo, 65, was allegedly beaten to death, on Monday night, in his palace allegedly by youths in the community who were said to have invaded his palace at about 11pm.
The family has, however, through their son, Prince Samuel Iroha, accused a local leader of inciting the youths against their father.
The accused local leaders denied any involvement in the death of the traditional ruler, saying he had no reason to wish the deceased death let alone inciting the youths to kill him.
The Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation Department in the Abia Police Command, Mr. Joseph Micloth, who confirmed the killing in a telephone interview, disclosed that the 20 suspects had been arrested while investigation continued.
Though he did not give details of those arrested, he vowed that the police would get to the root of the matter and culprits made to face the law.
Meanwhile, the Nwankwo family, through Iroha fingered of being behind the killing of their father.
According to Iroha, who spoke to Sunday Vanguard on telephone yesterday, the local leader addressed the youths and after addressing them, the youths invaded the palace and killed the traditional ruler.
The family spokesman said he had already made statement the to police in Umuahia to the effect that the suspect was behind the murder.
