The community of Imo State is in mourning following the brutal murder of 25-year-old Ogochukwu Viola Anele.
The young graduate of Imo State University was laid to rest on Saturday, May 27, 2023, in her hometown of Umuori Umuafai in Dikenafai Ideato South Local Government Area.
The circumstances surrounding Ogochukwu’s murder remain unclear.
She was found lifeless in a man’s house located in Ikeduru Local Government Area on February 7, 2023.
The reason for her presence in the suspect’s house and the motive behind her alleged killing have yet to be determined.
Cosmas Anele, Ogochukwu’s grieving father and a retired individual, revealed that the police demanded a payment of N60,000 before they would accompany him to the crime scene and the mortuary where his daughter’s body was deposited.
In a viral video that circulated on social media after the murder, Mr. Anele, a resident of Umudagu, Mbieri, expressed his anguish over the tragic loss of his second daughter.
Ogochukwu, who worked for a payment company, failed to return home on Tuesday, February 7, despite assuring her mother earlier in the day that she would be back.
Mr. Anele described the heartbreaking ordeal the family endured.
They held onto hope and engaged in prayers, hoping to see Ogochukwu return home safely.
They kept vigil, called her phone repeatedly, but received no response
The following morning, Mr. Anele embarked on a search for his missing daughter.
He reported her disappearance at the nearest police station and also sought assistance from the Department of State Services (DSS), hoping that Ogochukwu might be among those detained there. Unfortunately, she was not found.
While on his way to the Police Station on Mbaise Road, Mr. Anele received a call from his other children, informing him that someone had answered a call made to Ogochukwu’s phone.
The call originated from the Police Station in Iho, Ikeduru local government area, further heightening his concerns about his daughter’s whereabouts.
Upon arrival at the station, Mr. Anele was directed to the State Criminal Investigations Department, where he was confronted with the devastating news of his daughter’s murder by the officer in charge.
He requested to see Ogochukwu’s body to confirm her identity.
However, he alleges that the police demanded a payment of N60,000. Despite attempting to negotiate a lower amount, his pleas were reportedly rejected.
Reluctantly, Mr. Anele made the requested transfer and was led to a house where he witnessed the horrific scene.
Blood was splattered across the floor, belonging to his beloved daughter. Overwhelmed by grief, he broke down and wept.
It later emerged that the man accompanying them on the trip was the occupant of the room and the alleged murderer.
Subsequently, Mr. Anele was escorted to the mortuary to view Ogochukwu’s remains.
The tragic and senseless murder of Ogochukwu Viola Anele has shocked the entire community of Imo State.
Her untimely death has left family, friends, and acquaintances heartbroken, seeking answers and justice for the young life cut short.
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