A 21-year-old apprentice, Chiemerie Anieke, has confessed to killing his master in a brutal attack that occurred on Valentine’s Day at No. 2 Enyiuko Street, Fegge, Onitsha, Anambra State.
The suspect, who is currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), admitted during interrogation that he struck his employer with a pestle in the early hours of 14 February 2026, leading to the trader’s death.
He also confessed to attacking the deceased’s sister while she was asleep in the same house.
‘I Hit Him Three Times’
Narrating the incident to investigators, Anieke said he attacked his master after allegedly being instructed to remain outside the house for returning home late.
“I came back from the market around 7.30pm that Saturday. I did not come back late, and I did not visit any girlfriend,” he claimed.
“I was not feeling well. My head was aching, so I went to a chemist to buy drugs after informing my master’s sister.”
According to him, before he returned, the sister had contacted his employer, who allegedly ordered that he should not be allowed into the house.
He said he remained outside for some time until his master’s wife, unaware of the directive, opened the door.
“I stayed in the kitchen until about 3am when my Oga returned,” he said. “As he entered, I picked the pestle and hit him three times on the back of the head.”
He further admitted that he proceeded to the sister’s room and attacked her with the same object.
“She woke up and struggled with me over the pestle before running outside to call for help,” he said.
Dispute Over Savings
Anieke, who said he relocated to Onitsha in 2023 to learn a trade through arrangements made by his elder brother, described his family background as modest.
“My parents are peasant farmers. They could not sponsor my university education even though I passed WAEC and JAMB, so I agreed to learn a trade,” he explained.
He alleged that tensions had recently developed between him and his master, whom he described as initially cordial but later harsh.
He also spoke of a financial dispute involving savings he had accumulated.
According to him, a friend helped him open a bank account in Ogbo-Ogwu Market, where he saved money he intended to use to establish his own business after completing his apprenticeship.
“When the account reached N5 million, I asked him to help me withdraw the money,” he said. “But what he gave me was just above N3 million. When I complained, he threatened to take everything.”
He claimed to have heard rumours that his master had become aware of the savings and planned to seize the funds and punish him.
“I was already planning to quit and start my own business,” he said. “I felt I had no option but to act.”
Denies Drug Influence
Although he admitted to previously taking Tramadol, Anieke denied that drugs or alcohol influenced his actions.
“My master warned me when he discovered I was taking the tablets, and I stopped,” he said. “It was not drugs or alcohol. I cannot explain what came over me. I think it was the devil’s manipulation.”
He added that while he did not initially intend to kill his employer, the alleged maltreatment and decision to lock him out of the house triggered his reaction.
Despite showing little visible remorse, the suspect said he was prepared to face the consequences.
“I am ready to face whatever punishment comes — whether death by hanging or shooting,” he said. “I know I will not be forgiven.”
Survivor Speaks
The deceased’s sister, Ogechukwu Nwite, who is recovering in hospital, recounted her ordeal.
“I was fast asleep when I felt a heavy object hit my head,” she said. “Before I could understand what was happening, he struck me again. When he tried to hit me the third time, I grabbed his hand and struggled with him before running outside to call for help.”
She said it was only then that she realised her brother had already been attacked and was lying unconscious in the kitchen.
“The only issue I can remember was the day my brother scolded him over something at the shop. I never imagined such a minor matter could lead to this,” she added.
According to her, the suspect had lived and worked with her brother for about three years.
At the time of filing this report, she had not yet been informed of her brother’s death, as relatives restricted her access to her phone and the internet during her recovery.
The deceased trader’s wife could not be reached, as sympathisers thronged the family residence.
Police investigations are ongoing.
