The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a man accused of killing his father, retired Marine Captain David Nwoke, following a domestic dispute at the family’s residence in Oro Ekpo Estate, Ada George, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday morning, has shocked residents of the neighbourhood, with neighbours and sympathisers gathering at the scene after news of the killing spread.
Police confirmed that the suspect is in custody and that detectives have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Alleged disagreement over vehicle
According to information obtained by our correspondent from sources familiar with the case, the retired officer had recently informed members of his family of his intention to relocate to his hometown in eastern Nigeria after retirement.
As part of those plans, he had reportedly begun making arrangements to dispose of some of his property while allocating assets to his children.
A family source, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, alleged that the suspect, described as the son of the deceased’s second wife, demanded ownership of one of his father’s vehicles during the discussions.
The request was reportedly declined by the retired officer, leading to a disagreement between father and son.
Police investigating circumstances of attack
According to the source, the suspect allegedly remained inside the house after the disagreement and later confronted his father when he returned from his routine morning exercise.
The source claimed the confrontation turned violent, resulting in the elderly man sustaining multiple machete injuries.
A domestic worker who attempted to intervene was also reportedly threatened before fleeing the scene to seek help from neighbours.
Residents subsequently alerted the police, prompting officers from the Rumupakani Police Division to respond to the distress call.
Police arrested the suspect at the residence and took him into custody.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed the identity of the suspect, and investigators have yet to release details regarding the sequence of events established during their inquiry.
Police confirm arrest
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko Agabe, said the suspect remains in police custody while detectives continue their investigation.
“I can confirm that the suspect is in police custody. Investigations have commenced with a view to ensuring that justice is served,” the police spokesperson said.
The command did not disclose possible charges, stating that further details would emerge upon the conclusion of the investigation.
The death of the retired marine officer has drawn widespread attention within the community, with residents expressing shock over the incident as police continue efforts to establish all the facts surrounding the case.
