A 32-year-old plumber, Okpali Bright Onyemaeki, from Ogbemudein Quarters, Agbor Obi, in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, is on the run after being implicated in the assassination of one Mr. Godwin Etumu.
According to reports, Onyemaeki, who initially claimed to be an eyewitness, provided a detailed account to the Nigerian Police. He stated that on the day of the incident, he was working at a two-story building adjacent to Mr. Etumu’s residence at Ohumere Quarters, Agbor Obi, Delta State.
He observed three young men park their motorcycle in front of the victim’s house but did not pay much attention until he heard gunshots.
Onyemaeki claimed that he cautiously moved closer to investigate and saw the same three men leaving on their motorcycle. After ensuring no one else came out to check the gunshots, he approached the house and discovered Mr. Etumu’s lifeless body.
He immediately reported the incident to the local vigilante group, who accompanied him to the scene and advised him to inform the Nigerian Police.
Subsequently, Onyemaeki cooperated with the Nigerian Police investigation, providing statements and answering questions.
However, a month later, he was warned by a reliable source that the police might implicate him in the murder, given the lack of other leads and his role as the only eyewitness.
Fearing for his safety, Onyemaeki went into hiding. The situation escalated when Nigerian Police officers visited his home in his absence and arrested his wife, Mrs. Ogume Precious Ifechukwudeni. She was detained for eight hours and released after her family paid ₦150,000 for her bail.
Mrs. Ifechukwudeni has since spoken out, pleading with the Nigeria and Delta State governments to intervene. She insists that her husband is innocent and is only trying to help the deceased get justice. She expressed fear for her family’s safety and her husband’s well-being, emphasizing that his disappearance was a result of being wrongfully targeted.
The case remains under investigation, and the Nigerian Police have yet to issue an official statement on Onyemaeki’s status or the progress of the inquiry.
