Councillor Kills Nephew over Missing Phone

Nsogwu Umunze, councilllor representing ward 2 in Orumba South Local Government of Area of Anambra State, Chidiebere Onyema, has been arrested by police for allegedly killing his nephew, Nnanyere, over a missing cell phone.

Mr. Ali Okechukwu, Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident to Southern City News in Awka, the state capital on Sunday.

Okechukwu said the councillor had been detained at the State Investigation Department Awka.

The state police spokesman added that investigation was ongoing to unravel the cause of the incident.

The mother of the deceased, Mrs. Gloria Onyema, told newsmen that her son died on May 6 after receiving several beatings from the councilor.

She said Chidiebere came in early hours of the day to their house in the same compound asking after their late 19-year-old-son (Nnanyere).

Onyema explained that her husband, Okwudili, opened their door and saw Chidiebere, who was standing outside, fuming.

She said her husband promised the councillor that he would pass his message to Nnanyere.

The mother of the deceased added that she went to look for Nnanyere and saw him at the councillor’s house lying helplessly with open wounds.

He said, “When I inquired the reason for beating my son, I was told that my son stole their cell phone.

“I offered to pay N20,000-part payment of the N35,000 they said was the cost of the phone for my son to be released to me so that I can take him to hospital for treatment.

“On taking my son to the Immaculate Hospital, Umunze for treatment, he was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty,” she said.

An uncle of the deceased, Mr. Jude Umunna, described the incident as an abomination.