Imo Man Burnt Alive Over Alleged Theft Of N25,000 Jeans

A tragic incident has occurred in Imo State, where a 35-year-old man, Chima Okafor, was allegedly set ablaze by his kinsman, Obinna Obiekea, and his family members over a stolen jeans valued at N25,000.

The victim, who was dragged out of a church on December 31, at Nnebugwu autonomous community in Oguta LGA, died from severe burns.

According to the victim’s father, Uche Okafor, his son was attending a crossover night church service when Obiekea and his family members dragged him out, accused him of stealing the jean, and set him ablaze.

Meanwhile, the police have arrested Obiekea and his son, Chidubem, while his wife, Nwamaka, and another son, Eloka, are still at large.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further probe.

The victim’s father has petitioned the state Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, seeking justice for his son’s death.

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In the petition dated January 6 and titled, “Killing of my son on January 1st by Mr Obinna Obiekea, Nwamaka Obiekea, Eloka and Chidubem Obiekea”, he also appealed to the state governor and President Bola Tinubu to ensure that justice is served.

He said: “My name is Mr Uche Okafor from Umuisoma village in Nnebugwu autonomous community in Oguta LGA. of Imo state.

“My son, 35, Chima Okafor was burnt to death by Obinna Obiekea (Losky) with his wife, Nwamaka Obiekea, sons Eloka and Chidubem Obiekea on January 1st in my hometown.

“He dragged my son from a Cherubim church where he was attending crossover night Church service, after accusing him of stealing his son’s jean knicker worth N25,000. Together with his sons, they dragged my son to their compound, used weapons disfigured him and set him ablaze, immediately.

“My son was later rescued and rushed to Congregation Of The Poor Handmaid of Jesus Christ hospital at Mgbele in Oguta where he died same day owing to high degree of burn he suffered.

“Already the matter has been transferred to state CID with Obinna Obiekea (Losky) and Chidubem Obiekea arrested by the police while Eloka and Nwamaka are at large.

“I urge you sir to use your good offices to ensure that those at large are arrested and justice dispensed in this matter.”

The police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, confirmed that two suspects are in custody and that the Commissioner of Police has ordered a thorough investigation into the crime.