11th May, 2016
The police in Anambra have arrested a councilor, Mr Chidiebere Onyema, representing Nsogwu Umunze Ward 2 in the Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra over the death of his nephew.
The deceased, identified as Nnanyere Onyema, 19, lost his life over an allegation that he stole two cell phones.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, Mr Ali Okechukwu, confirmed the development in Awka on Wednesday.
The police spokesman confirmed that the councilor had already been detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department at Awka.
“Investigation is ongoing to unravel the cause of the incident,’’ Okechukwu said.
The mother of the deceased, Mrs Gloria Onyema, said that Nnanyere died on May 6, after receiving severe beating from the councillor on the day of the incident.
She said that Chidiebere came to her apartment in the early hours of May 6, demanding to see Nnanyere.
“After the day’s business, I and my husband returned back home later in the day and was told by Nnanyere’s younger brother, Tochukwu that Chidiebere had been beating Nnanyere.
“When I went to look for Nnanyere, I saw him at Chidiebere’s flat lying helplessly on the ground with severe wounds.
“When I inquired the reason for the beating, I was told that my son stole Chidiebere’s mother’s and sister’s cell phones.
“I pleaded to pay back the cost of the phones which Chidiebere said was N35, 000.
“I offered to bring N20, 000 part payment for my son to be released to me so that I can take him to hospital for treatment.
“On getting to Immaculate Hospital, Umunze for treatment, he was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty,’’ she said.
An uncle to the deceased, Mr Jude Umunna, described the development as an abomination.