Three suspects arrested in connection with the murder of a female corps member, Stephenie Terungwa, in Abuja, were paraded at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command on Monday.
Stephanie was declared missing after leaving home for her Community Development Service (CDS) in April, she was later found dead, with her body mutilated.
The three suspects identified as Jennifer Tsembe, 26, Monday Simon (a.k.a Black) 36, and Solomon Abu, 35, all residents of Oguta lake Maitama area of the FCT voluntarily stated their involvement in the murder.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Sunday Babaji, who spoke to newsmen, revealed that the female suspect, Jennifer, conspired with the other two male suspects and murdered the victim so as to be with the victim’s partner, Edward Achadu.
The police said Jennifer who is Edward’s alleged ‘estranged lover,’ poured corrosive substance on Stephanie in a bid to separate her from Edward.
The CP said the Maitama Division had on April 15, received information about the body of a middle-aged lady lying on the road.
Following the receipt of the information, Babaji said, crime scene investigators (CSI) were quickly dispatched to the area and transferred the body to the hospital, where a doctor on duty verified her death.
He stated the initial attempt to profile the victim’s face failed owing to her disfigured face, which he felt was caused by exposure to a corrosive substance.
According to the CP, a discreet inquiry revealed that the dead is Terungwa Stephenie, a 26-year-old Corp member who lived with Edward Achadu at City Homes estate Lokogoma.
He said it was discovered that she left home with her one year and five-months-old son on April 14 and never returned home. A day later, the son was recovered at Holy Trinity Catholic Church upon a call placed through to one of the Paternal relatives.
The CP stated that discrete and painstaking Investigations by Tactical and Intelligence assets of the Command attached to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) led to the arrest of three suspects.
Babaji said the suspects criminally conspired and murdered the victim to separate her from Edward Achadu to pave way for the female suspect and estranged lover of Edward, Jennifer Temba, to have him to herself.
According to him, investigation has been intensified to reveal groundbreaking facts that could lead to the arrest of fleeing participant(s) in this criminal act.
He said the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion the investigation.
However, the female suspect told newsmen that the deceased only came to her house to collect phone the day she was found dead and denied any involvement in the act.
She said the male suspects were the ones that told her that they wanted to kidnap the deceased to demand for ransom.
