Apprentice Kills Master Over N5m Savings Dispute at Onitsha Ogbo-Ogwu Market
“Shock and disbelief have gripped residents of Onitsha after a 21-year-old apprentice allegedly killed his master over a disputed N5 million savings meant to start his own business, exposing tensions within the Igbo apprenticeship system.”
A 21-year-old apprentice, Chiemerie Anieke, has confessed to killing his master, Ikechukwu Nwite, popularly known as “Turn-By-Turn,” at the Ogbo-Ogwu drug market in Bridge Head, Onitsha, following a dispute over N5 million he allegedly saved to establish his own business.
According to reports, the suspect admitted to the crime while in police custody, stating that he was prepared to face the consequences of his actions.
Chiemerie, who hails from Ebonyi State, was brought to Onitsha under the Igbo apprenticeship system, widely known as “Igba Boi.” He had reportedly spent less than three years under the mentorship of the deceased and resided in his master’s home prior to the tragic incident.
Police sources confirmed that the suspect attacked his master in the early hours of February 15, 2026. However, he denied being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the attack, claiming that mounting frustration and fear led him to act.
The suspect disclosed that he relocated to Onitsha in 2023 after passing his WAEC and JAMB examinations but was unable to pursue university education due to financial constraints.
Tensions reportedly escalated when his master allegedly discovered that he had secretly saved approximately N5 million with the assistance of a friend, intending to exit the apprenticeship and start his own business. Chiemerie further claimed that only about N3 million was returned to him after the funds were withdrawn, deepening his financial distress.
He also alleged that rumours circulated suggesting his master intended to seize his savings and punish him for alleged misconduct. According to him, being locked out of the house on the night of February 14 further aggravated the situation.
“I did not intend to kill him. I was overwhelmed and believed the devil manipulated me,” the suspect reportedly stated.
Residents of No. 2 Onyiuke Street, off Zik’s Avenue, Fegge, in Onitsha South Local Government Area of Anambra State, were left in shock following the incident.
A neighbour disclosed that the trouble began when Chiemerie returned home late on February 14. The deceased’s sister, Ogechukwu Nwite, who also managed the family shop, allegedly informed her brother of the apprentice’s absence, after which he instructed that Chiemerie should not be allowed into the house.
Investigations suggest that the suspect later sneaked into the residence through the kitchen and hid. When his master returned in the early hours of the morning, Chiemerie allegedly attacked him with a pestle, striking him multiple times on the head. He subsequently attacked Ogechukwu in her room.
The deceased’s wife reportedly raised the alarm after managing to disarm the suspect, drawing neighbours to the scene. Ikechukwu Nwite was confirmed dead at a hospital, while his sister survived and is currently receiving treatment.
The spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command confirmed the suspect’s arrest and the recovery of the pestle used in the attack. The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Awka for further investigation.
“Preliminary findings suggest that the suspect may have been angered by repeated reprimands over alleged misconduct, including theft, staying out late, and drug use,” the police spokesperson stated.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing.
