The family of Arum Nwagbo in Umuchigbo, Iji-Nike Community, Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, has expressed concern over alleged efforts to secure the release of two suspects arrested over the killing of brothers, Onyeka Alum and Chukwudi Alum.
The suspects, Chibuzor Ezekiel, popularly known as “Osy Toucho”, and Enyinnaya Kingsley, were arrested on February 11, 2026, and are currently in the custody of the State Anti-Cultism Squad.
The two brothers were shot on October 29, 2025, during a violent clash in the community linked to a prolonged leadership dispute.
Addressing journalists in Enugu on Tuesday, the father of the deceased, Elder John Anike Alum, said the family had received credible information that some individuals were mounting pressure on the Enugu State Police Command to release the suspects.
He expressed concern that any interference in the ongoing investigation could jeopardize justice and heighten tensions within the community.
“We are shocked to hear that some persons are making moves to release these beasts who killed my two sons in cold blood. This is sad. I am still mourning. My family is still mourning. In fact, the entire community is still mourning. We know the people who are making these moves. This is unfortunate”.
“All the Alum family is asking for is justice. The blood of my sons will continue to cry for justice. We are calling on the Police Commissioner, Bitrus Giwa, not to allow this evil to happen. Releasing these men will be like killing my sons a second time. I still believe firmly that the Police Commissioner is a man of integrity. I believe he will ensure that justice is served,” he said.
The killings were tied to a leadership dispute that had previously divided the Umuchigbo community. The crisis began after a community election on February 20, 2025, in which Chief Afam Joseph Ogbene emerged chairman in what his supporters described as a widely attended and credible process.
Tension brewed for months before erupting into violence on October 29, 2025, when hoodlums reportedly loyal to Chief Ochu attacked community members performing their duties for the executive. The clash quickly escalated into gunfire, leaving the two brothers, who were close in-laws of Chief Ogbene, dead.
The police later confirmed the attack and launched a manhunt for those involved, ordering a full investigation and appealing to residents to remain calm.
While relative peace has returned to the community, the family said the arrest of the two suspects in February gave them hope that justice was finally within reach. They now fear that any attempt to release the suspects could reopen old wounds and destabilise a community still recovering from the tragedy.
The Alum family has urged the Enugu State Government and police authorities to ensure the suspects remain in custody and face prosecution according to the law, stressing that justice for their sons must not be compromised.
