Why I revealed my identity after I was re-arrested – Ritual killer suspect

Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt

Policemen serving at Rivers Police Command headquarters,  Moscow road,  Port Harcourt were in jubilant mood as the Commissioner of Police, CP Zaki Ahmed paraded the escapee mindless ritual killer, Ifeanyichukwu Maxwell Dike, who is was rearrested in Barkin Ladies in Plateau State before journalists on Monday.

The suspect denied being aided by any Police officer to escape on from police custody on August 20 after he was paraded for raping an eight- year- old- girl, Chicamso Mezuwuba at the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Port Harcourt.

Dike who spoke to journalists as he was paraded at the Police Headquarters said he became tired of running, hiding and was starving and therefore gave his sister’s phone number to the Police in Plateau state when he was re-arrested, knowing that she would alert the Police in Rivers.

Recounting how he escaped on the fateful day, the murder suspect said, “It was late, and when my IPO asked me to go inside the cell that when I got the opportunity to run away. When I got to Jos, I was not able to get good food to eat because I was very hungry.

“It was where I was trying to get food to eat that I was caught and later handed over to the Police. At first, I was hid my identity. But when I got fed up, I decided to give them my Aunt’s number. As soon as they called my Aunt, she called my IPO who now confirmed that I was the person.”

According to him, “I am a student of UNIPORT. When I got to Jos, I started hiding again even though I know that nobody knows me there.

“I was living inside an uncompleted building in that place but I could not endure anymore because I was hungry. I now came out and somebody looked for my trouble.

“The Hausa boy then uses something like knife to cut my hand, out of anger I took a screw driver and stabbed him. That’s how they took us to police station.

“When we got to the Police, I told the Police who I am but they did not believe me until I called one of my aunties that confirmed to them.

“I know what I have done is wrong. I know that the world is not happy with me but I want to say I am sorry.”

Dike who adorned a white T-Shirt was brought to the Police headquarters by heavily armed policemen.

It would be recalled the former IPO and now dismissed Sergeant Johnbosco Okoronzie is currently being detained at the Port Harcourt prison on a two count charge of conspiracy to allow a suspect escape.

While parading the suspect, CP Ahmed said the re-arrest of the most wanted suspect was in fulfillment of his earlier promise and “determination and resolve in the re-arrest of Ifeanyi Dike, a 200 level student of University of Port Harcourt, who mindlessly and without the fear of God raped and murdered 8 years old Chikamso whose only sin was her absolute trust on her close relation and uncle.

“Today with profound humility, I present to you the most wanted ritual killer Mr. Ifeanyi Chukwu Maxwell Dike. His re-arrest was made possible by God Almighty, through your numerous prayers and concerns, following his escape three weeks ago.

“I wish to assure you that justice will not only be done but be seen to be done in the circumstance to bring the full weight of the law to bear on him or any other person implicated in the course of further Investigation,” the Police chief said.

Meanwhile, the father of the Chicamso, Mr Earnest Mezuwuba expressed gratitude to the Police for the re-arrest of  Dike.

He however said he would not bury his daughter until justice is served on murderer.