A tragic incident in Imo State has left a community in shock as a father, Mr. Obinna Obiekea, popularly known as Losky, and his son, Chidubem Obiekea, are being detained by the Imo State Police Command for allegedly setting their 35-year-old kinsman, Chima Okafor, ablaze. The alleged act occurred in the early hours of New Year’s Day, following an accusation of theft involving a pair of jeans valued at approximately N25,000.
A Fatal Allegation
The incident unfolded at Nnebugwu Autonomous Community in Oguta Local Government Area, where Chima Okafor had been attending a crossover night service at a Cherubim Church. According to reports, he was accused by the Obiekea family of stealing a pair of jeans belonging to Chidubem. The accusation led to a series of brutal events that ended in tragedy.
Okafor’s father, Uche Okafor, recounted the ordeal to journalists in Owerri. He revealed that Chima was forcibly removed from the church service by Obinna and his sons, dragged to their compound, assaulted, and eventually set on fire.
“My son was later rescued and rushed to the Congregation Of The Poor Handmaid of Jesus Christ Hospital at Mgbele in Oguta,” Uche Okafor said. “Unfortunately, he succumbed to the severe burns at around 11 a.m. on New Year’s Day.”
A Plea for Justice
In a petition dated January 6 and addressed to the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, Uche Okafor detailed the events leading to his son’s death. He appealed for justice, calling on Governor Hope Uzodimma and President Bola Tinubu to intervene.
The petition read:
“Obinna Obiekea (Losky), with his wife Nwamaka Obiekea, and sons, Eloka and Chidubem, dragged my son from a church, disfigured him with weapons, and set him ablaze over an allegation of theft. Two suspects have been arrested, but others remain at large. I urge you to ensure all involved are apprehended and justice is served.”
Ongoing Investigation
The Imo State Police Command confirmed that the suspects, Obinna and Chidubem, are currently detained at the homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Owerri. The other accused family members, Eloka and Nwamaka Obiekea, are reportedly at large.
Henry Okoye, the state police spokesperson, stated, “The Commissioner of Police has ordered a thorough investigation. An autopsy will be conducted with the suspects present, and the findings will be crucial for court proceedings. Without these, establishing a murder case is challenging.”
Community Reaction
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many expressing outrage over the alleged actions of the Obiekea family. Community members have condemned the violence and called for swift justice to ensure such acts do not recur.
Next Steps
As investigations continue, the police are working to apprehend the remaining suspects and compile the necessary evidence, including autopsy results, to establish a murder case. Meanwhile, Uche Okafor continues to advocate for justice, urging the authorities to ensure that all perpetrators are held accountable.
This case serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of taking the law into one’s hands and underscores the importance of addressing disputes through lawful channels to prevent such tragedies.
