The family of late Air Force Cadet Officer Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyeomereneche, who was allegedly murdered at Hotel Royal Damgrate in Umuahia, Abia State, has accused the government and police of failing to investigate the case properly. They claim that despite submitting all necessary documents, including the autopsy report, the authorities have remained unresponsive.
Circumstances Surrounding Chidiebere’s Death
On April 9, 2024, Chidiebere visited Hotel Royal Damgrate with two fellow cadet officers for a swimming session. However, he was later pronounced dead under suspicious circumstances.
Shortly after, the Abia State Police Command reported that Chidiebere had drowned in the hotel’s swimming pool. His father, Mr. Ephraim Onyeomereneche, rejected this claim, maintaining that his son was murdered.
An autopsy report published by SaharaReporters in September 2024 contradicted the police’s drowning narrative. The report revealed that Chidiebere died from “intracranial hematoma and skull fracture at the occipital and right parietal region,” suggesting he was likely killed and then placed in the pool to stage an accidental drowning.
Family’s Frustration with Authorities
The grieving father, speaking with SaharaReporters, expressed disappointment over the government’s inaction. According to him, the police now claim that the case is beyond their jurisdiction, while the Abia State Government has failed to act on their petitions.
“You go to the police, they will tell you that the matter is beyond them. We wrote to the Abia State Government last year, and up till now, there is nothing. The last time, they asked us to bring the autopsy result, and we have submitted it since it came out,” Mr. Onyeomereneche lamented.
He further accused Cadet Officer Valentine Ucheji Obeji, a classmate of the deceased, and his brother, Police Officer Eric Obeji, of orchestrating the murder. He believes that the case has been suppressed due to internal conspiracies.
“From all indications, there is a lot of conspiracy in the murder of my son. But if the authorities refuse to act in good conscience and do the needful, God is always there. Vengeance is of the Lord.”
Letter to Governor Alex Otti
The family had earlier written a letter dated October 9, 2024, to Abia State Governor Alex Otti, detailing their ordeal and requesting justice. The letter, titled ‘Murder of Air Force Cadet Officer Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyeomereneche at Hotel Royale Damgrate, Umuahia, Abia State on April 9, 2024’, highlighted the lack of proper investigation into the case.
The letter stated: “We write to inform Your Excellency of the murder of one of the rising sons of the state, from Okwuta Isieke Ibeku in Umuahia North LGA, CDT EC Onyeomereneche (13257), a final-year student of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, who visited Umuahia for Easter holidays but was murdered at Hotel Royal Damgrate on April 9, 2024.”
It further lamented that despite evidence contradicting the police’s drowning claim, the authorities have failed to prosecute those responsible.
“Sir, till date, the appropriate authorities have failed to conduct proper investigations to unravel the reason for the gruesome murder and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
The family pleaded with the governor, emphasizing Chidiebere’s promising future and tragic end: “He was an only son, who lost his mother at six years old, yet remained disciplined and responsible. It is unfortunate that he did not die in battle or training but was murdered in his own home state.”
The letter also called for the suspension of Cadet Officer Valentine Ucheji Obeji, whom they suspect played a key role in Chidiebere’s death, stating: “Even the prime suspect, CDT Valentine Ucheji Obaji (13296), who lured him under the guise of swimming, has been allowed to continue his education at the Nigeria Defence Academy, Kaduna.”
Police’s Response
When contacted for an update, Abia State Police spokesperson, ASP Maureen Chinaka, acknowledged that the case had a new administration overseeing it. “We have a new administration now. I will find out the level of the case and get back to you,” she stated. However, as of the time of filing this report, she had yet to follow up with any new developments.
Search for Justice Continues
As months pass without concrete action, the Onyeomereneche family continues to demand accountability from the authorities. Their plea remains that Governor Alex Otti and law enforcement agencies ensure that justice is served so that the perpetrators do not go unpunished. The case of Cadet Officer Chidiebere is not just a family tragedy but a test of the state’s commitment to upholding justice and fairness.
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