Apprentice Kills Boss with Pestle in Onitsha, Transfers ₦8m After Attack — Police Arraign Suspects
“A shocking case of betrayal has rocked Onitsha’s bustling drug market, as a 21-year-old apprentice allegedly turned on his employer in a deadly attack that has stunned residents and traders alike. The incident, which reportedly involved the transfer of over ₦8 million shortly after the killing, has now led to the arraignment of two young suspects—raising fresh concerns about trust, crime, and security in Nigeria’s commercial hubs.”
“Two suspects have been arraigned by the Anambra State Police over the alleged killing of a trader in Onitsha and the subsequent transfer of over ₦8 million from the victim’s account. The prime suspect, reportedly an apprentice to the deceased, was accused of carrying out the attack, while a second suspect allegedly assisted in moving the funds. Both have been remanded in custody as investigations continue.”
The Anambra State Police Command has arraigned two young men before a High Court sitting in Onitsha over the alleged murder of a trader, Mr. Ikechukwu Simon Nwite, and the theft of millions of naira belonging to him. The suspects have since been remanded in correctional custody pending trial.
The deceased, a trader at the popular Ogbo Ogwu drug market in Onitsha, was allegedly killed by his 21-year-old apprentice, Chiemerie Anieke, following a dispute reportedly linked to accusations of theft and late return home.
According to sources familiar with the incident, the situation escalated after the deceased reportedly instructed that his apprentice be locked out for returning home late. The suspect allegedly concealed himself behind a kitchen door with a pestle and, upon the victim’s arrival, struck him on the head, causing him to collapse.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed in a statement issued in Awka that operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) arrested and charged the suspects after a thorough investigation.
“The prime suspect, Chiemerie Anieke, aged 21, allegedly murdered his employer, Mr. Ikechukwu Nwite, by striking him on the head with a pestle, an attack which reportedly resulted in the victim’s death,” Ikenga said.
He further revealed that the suspect was also linked to another violent incident involving the deceased’s sister, Ms. Ogechukwu Nwite, in the Fegge area of Onitsha.
Ikenga added that the prime suspect was arraigned alongside another 21-year-old, Godwin Nnabuike Nwokporo, who allegedly aided the crime by providing a bank account through which more than ₦8 million belonging to the deceased was fraudulently transferred after the incident.
“The prime suspect was arraigned before the High Court, Onitsha, alongside another suspect, Godwin Nnabuike Nwokporo, who was alleged to have aided the crime by providing a bank account through which more than eight million naira was transferred,” he stated.
Police investigations revealed that the funds were moved shortly after the incident, prompting authorities to track financial transactions that eventually led to the arrest of both suspects.
The police further disclosed that operatives recovered the sum of ₦6 million from the suspects, part of the money allegedly stolen from the deceased. The recovered cash has been tendered as an exhibit in court.
“Following the arraignment of the suspects on March 18, 2026, the court ordered that they be remanded at a correctional facility pending the continuation of trial,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the Command warned against criminal activities, stressing that offenders would be identified and prosecuted.
“The Anambra State Police Command reiterates its commitment to ensuring that justice is served and warns individuals against engaging in criminal activities. The long arm of the law will always catch up with offenders,” Ikenga said.
