The Imo State Police Command has taken Mr. Obinna Obiekea, also known as Losky, and his son, Chidubem Obiekea, into custody for allegedly burning their 35-year-old relative, Chima Okafor, to death over claims of stealing a pair of jeans worth N25,000.
The tragic event reportedly took place in the early hours of New Year’s Day in Nnebugwu, an autonomous community in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.
Chima, who was attending a crossover service at a Cherubim church, was reportedly dragged out by the suspects, who then assaulted him before setting him on fire.
Speaking to journalists after filing a petition to the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aboki Danjuma, the victim’s father, Mr. Uche Okafor, recounted the harrowing experience.
He alleged that Obiekea, his wife, Nwamaka, and their sons, Eloka and Chidubem, attacked his son shortly after the New Year celebrations began.
“My son was attending a crossover service when Obinna and his family accused him of stealing a pair of jeans worth N25,000. They dragged him to their compound, attacked him with weapons, and set him on fire,” Okafor narrated.
Although Chima was rushed to the Congregation of the Poor Handmaid of Jesus Christ Hospital in Mgbele, Oguta, by rescuers, he succumbed to his injuries later that day due to the severity of the burns.
The distraught father called on authorities, including Governor Hope Uzodimma and President Bola Tinubu, to ensure justice is served in his son’s case.
In his petition, Okafor stated, “The suspects, Obinna and his son Chidubem, are in police custody, but Eloka and Nwamaka are still at large. I urge the authorities to apprehend those at large and ensure justice for my son.”
A police source revealed that the case has been assigned to the homicide unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department in Owerri.
“The suspects were arrested in Oguta and transferred to the CID for further investigation. An autopsy will be conducted with witnesses present, and the case file will be prepared for court proceedings,” the source disclosed.
The State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, confirmed the arrests and assured the public of a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
“The investigation will leave no stone unturned to ensure justice is served. The police are committed to bringing all those involved to book,” Okoye affirmed.
