The family of Air Force cadet officer Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyeomereneche, who died under suspicious circumstances at Hotel Royal Damgrate in Umuahia, Abia State, has accused both the government and police of abandoning the investigation.
Chidiebere had gone to the hotel on April 9, 2024, to swim with two fellow cadets. However, he was later declared dead, with authorities initially reporting that he drowned in the hotel’s swimming pool. His father, Ephraim Onyeomereneche, rejected this claim, insisting that his son was murdered.
In September 2024, an investigative report revealed that an autopsy contradicted the drowning claim. The report confirmed that Chidiebere suffered an intracranial hematoma and skull fractures in the occipital and right parietal regions, suggesting he was attacked before being placed in the pool to create the illusion of an accidental drowning.
Mr. Onyeomereneche has accused Cadet Officer Valentine Ucheji Obeji, his son’s colleague, and Valentine’s brother, Police Officer Eric Obeji, of being involved in the crime.
Speaking about the lack of progress in the case, the grieving father expressed frustration, stating that authorities had shown little interest in ensuring justice.
“When you go to the police, they say the case is beyond their jurisdiction. We wrote to the Abia State Government last year, but there has been no response. They requested the autopsy report, which we submitted, yet nothing has been done,” he lamented.
He also alleged a cover-up, insisting that the initial drowning report was an attempt to conceal the truth. “The autopsy confirms my son was murdered. If the authorities refuse to act, divine justice will prevail,” he added.
To push for accountability, the family addressed a letter to Governor Alex Otti on October 9, 2024, titled “Murder of Air Force Cadet Officer Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyeomereneche at Hotel Royal Damgrate, Umuahia, Abia State on April 9, 2024.” The letter described the circumstances of Chidiebere’s death and urged the governor to intervene.
The family emphasized that Chidiebere was a final-year Nigerian Defence Academy student who had returned home for Easter before his tragic demise. They also highlighted concerns that the primary suspect, Cadet Officer Valentine Ucheji Obaji, was still continuing his education despite being implicated.
In their plea for justice, the family wrote, “Governor, this was a promising young officer. We urge you to ensure those responsible are held accountable before another tragedy occurs.”
When contacted for an update, Abia State Police spokesperson ASP Maureen Chinaka stated, “A new administration is in place. I will check on the status of the case and provide an update.” However, as of the time of this report, no further response had been received.
