Justice Monica Dongban-Memsem, President of the Appeal Court, has said that the recent murder of retired Delta State High Court Judge, Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, emphasizes the growing insecurity in the country, particularly for judicial officers.
Her comments are contained in a video posted by SYMFONI on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
Justice Monica recounted the tragic incident, which occurred two weeks ago, when Justice Okogwu’s lifeless body was discovered in her home.
While the exact details remain unclear, she pointed out that the area where the judge resided was known for its lack of security.
Justice Monica’s comments came as the Delta State Police announced the arrest of the key suspect in the murder.
Godwin Mngumi, a 25-year-old night security guard employed at Okogwu’s residence, was detained in Anambra State on December 6, 2025, following a targeted operation by detectives.
Justice Okogwu, an Asaba native, was found dead in her home behind The Pointer Newspapers office in Asaba, with signs of violent assault and her hands and legs bound.
Initial investigations indicated that the security guard, who had mysteriously disappeared after the incident, was the prime suspect.
In her statement, Justice Monica highlighted the vulnerability of judges, noting that even after their tenure, they continue to face threats as a result of their professional decisions.
She also commended the efforts of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his work in improving housing and security, particularly through his initiative to provide owner-occupier homes in Rivers State when he was governor.
Reflecting on her visit to the state to commission these houses during Wike’s administration, she stressed the importance of safe and secure living environments for all Nigerians, including judges.
Justice Monica said, “Two weeks a go a judge of the Delta State Judiciary who has retired was murdered in her house. He corpse was found in the morning, what happened we do not know. But what we know is that she was living in an area that is not all that secure. Even after we left office, we are still not safe because of the decision we have taken.”
She added, “So, we appreciate the efforts of the Minister of the FCT (Wike) who is bringing his good works from Rivers State to the FCT. I have the privilege to go to Rivers State to represent the Chief Justice then, to commission the houses that Wike build, and they were owner occupier houses. There is nothing like having a roof over your head.”
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