Mr. Ephraim Onyeomereneche, father of the late Air Force cadet officer, Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyemereneche, has come forward with shocking revelations regarding his son’s untimely demise.
Disputing the police’s assertion that Chidiebere drowned in a pool at Hotel Royal Damgrate in Abia State on April 9, 2024, Onyeomereneche alleges foul play, claiming his son was poisoned. An autopsy conducted on June 29 uncovered the cause of death, leading him to believe that Cadet Officer Valentine Ucheji Obeji, along with his brother, police officer Eric Obeji, orchestrated the murder. Onyeomereneche highlighted that Valentine, who had picked up Chidiebere that day, has not reached out to the family since the tragic incident, indicating his suspicions.
In an interview with our correspondent, Onyeomereneche shared his concerns, suggesting that Valentine’s possible motive was to eliminate Chidiebere, a high achiever at the Nigerian Defence Academy, to enhance his own chances of becoming an Air Force pilot. He alleges that the duo used the hotel’s amenities to carry out the crime and are now attempting to cover their tracks with the help of the Abia State Police, hindering the investigation.
Questioning the circumstances surrounding his son’s death, Onyeomereneche raised doubts about the official account and demanded justice. He pointed out apparent inconsistencies and raised suspicions about the actions of Valentine and Eric Obeji following the incident.
In response to the allegations, ASP Maureen Chinaka of the Abia State Police Command refuted the claims, stating that they had responded promptly to the reported incident and emphasized that the allegations made by Onyeomereneche were unfounded.
Eric Obeji, when contacted, denied any involvement in Chidiebere’s death and expressed disbelief that his brother or he had played a role. He maintained that the incident, as per his understanding, was a tragic drowning. The matter remains under police investigation.
In a hotel, the swimming pool stands out as a sensitive spot with no surveillance camera coverage, leaving room for speculation about hidden activities within its murky waters. During the incident, the pool was notably dirty, making it impossible to see the bottom even in the shallowest section, unlike most other pools. Surprisingly, there was a lack of essential supervision elements such as a floater, timer, pool attendant, or diver on duty that day, as everyone seemed absorbed in their own activities.
Recalling the chaotic scene, a witness expressed confusion about what transpired at the pool, emphasizing that the incident involving a boy unfolded in that specific aquatic space. Despite the apparent negligence, no one seemed to be alarmed as the boy struggled in the water, with bystanders engrossed in their own pursuits. The witness raised concerns about the pool’s condition and the absence of an attentive staff member who could have potentially averted the tragedy.
Addressing suspicions surrounding the cause of the boy’s demise, despite autopsy results suggesting poisoning rather than accidental drowning, authorities denied any attempts to obstruct the investigation, citing their professional integrity. They clarified their involvement in responding to the incident at the pool and asserted their willingness to cooperate with the ongoing inquiry.
In response to claims about the boy’s companion, Valentine, displaying indifference and evasiveness following the tragedy, a relative defended their relationship as classmates who often socialized during holidays. The sequence of events leading to the fatal incident was meticulously detailed, highlighting the timeline of events and interactions preceding the unfortunate outcome.
When questioned about his perspective on the cause of death, the relative expressed a belief that drowning was the likely scenario pending further confirmation from the official autopsy report. Meanwhile, Valentine, under strict directives, declined to comment on the matter and deferred any inquiries to his superiors for clearance.
Overall, the narrative surrounding the mysterious incident at the hotel swimming pool unfolds with intricate details and conflicting accounts, underscoring the need for a thorough investigation to determine the truth behind the tragic events that unfolded.