A case of kidnapping, attempted murder, and extortion has been reported in Obuvia Awgu, Ugwuleshi Autonomous Community, Awgu Town, Awgu LGA, Enugu State.
Nwafor Kelechi, a resident of the community, was reportedly lured to an uncompleted school building and taken hostage by a vigilante group led by Ilo Chidiebere Kingsley, also known as De Mongo Park.
According to a petition filed at the Police Force Headquarters by Kelechi’s family, the vigilante group stabbed Kelechi in the neck and foot, took his house key, and ransacked his home, stealing valuables, including money.
The suspects, according to the petition signed by Okoye Uchenna Patrick on behalf of the family, then forced Kelechi to transfer N50,000 from his account using his phone.
The family alleged that the suspects, including De Mongo Park, videoed Kelechi while he was tied to a pole with blood gushing from his neck while stripped naked, accusing him of attempted sodomy.
According to the family, the suspects boasted that they cannot be arrested or prosecuted due to the alleged interference of the traditional ruler and the President General of Ugwuleshi Autonomous Community, as well as a top retired police officer who is allegedly shielding them.
The family stated: “Nwafor Kelechi was lured to an uncompleted school building and taken hostage by our community security personnel who conspired and admitted acting on the instruction of their commander.
“He was stabbed in the throat and foot, and his house key was taken by the same security personnel, allowing the perpetrator to ransack his home and steal valuables, including money. The suspects forced him with a knife to transfer N50,000 from his account using his phone.
“He was then taken to another location and tied to a pole with blood gushing from his throat for over five hours. They even videoed him on the orders of the Community Vigilante Commander, llo Chidiebere Kingsley aka De Mongo Park.”
It added, “The suspects took him to the police station, apparently to cover up their evil act when he (Kelechi) made it open to them that he would get the police involved if his stolen property was not returned to him.
“Disturbingly, the Divisional Police Head has refused to arrest all the suspects, allegedly due to the influence of the traditional Ruler of our community and the President General of Ugwuleshi Autonomous Community, Agwu Town, and a top retired police officer.
“The suspects have boasted that they cannot be arrested or prosecuted, all because of the alleged interference of the traditional ruler, the PG of the community, and the top retired and influential police officer who formed and inaugurated this security outfit.”
According to the family, although the Enugu State Police Command has intervened, they have alleged that the President General of the community and a top retired police officer are trying to influence the investigation.
The family is seeking intervention to ensure that the suspects are arrested and brought to justice.
“We are shocked and traumatized by the brutality and cruelty inflicted on our beloved family member,” said Okoye Uchenna Patrick, a member of Kelechi’s family.
“We demand that justice be served and those responsible for this heinous crime be held accountable.”
The family is calling for an impartial and discreet investigation into the matter and seeking the arrest and prosecution of the suspects.
“Intervene in this matter and ensure the remaining suspects are arrested and brought to justice,” the family urged the government.
“Conduct an impartial and discreet investigation. Hold those responsible for this heinous crime accountable.”
SaharaReporters learned on Monday that the D9 Department of the State Criminal Investigation Department is currently handling the case.
Meanwhile, the police have not yet commented on the status of the investigation or the arrest of the suspects, as the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, did not take his calls or respond to a text message seeking his reaction.
