In Abia: Nigerian Military Abandons Probe Into Death Of Air Force Cadet Officer

The Nigerian military has reportedly frozen its investigation into the death of Air Force Cadet Officer Chidiebere Onyeomereneche, who was killed on April 9, 2024, at Hotel Royal Damgrete in Umuahia, Abia State. 

Initially, it was reported that Chidiebere drowned in the hotel’s swimming pool, but an autopsy dismissed this claim, suggesting he was murdered and thrown into the pool to cover up the crime

According to sources who spoke to Press Men on Thursday, the military investigation, which began in July at the 82DV of the Nigerian Army in Enugu, has been stalled after four months. 

Chidiebere’s father, Mr. Ephraim Onyeomereneche, was invited to give an extrajudicial statement in July, but he hasn’t been briefed again since then, SaharaReporters learnt.

“The Nigerian military opened investigation into Chidiebere’s murder in July. His father was invited to 82DV of Nigerian Army Headquarters in July to give his extrajudicial statement.

“Thereafter, the investigators who were obviously teleguided insisted that they want to see those who were swimming when he drowned, an argument the autopsy report has dismissed as the cause of death,” a source revealed.

The investigation’s stagnation is attributed to the commissioning of the prime suspect, Valentine Obienyem, who was sent to the UK for further military training after the incident.

“So, because the principal suspect had been commissioned, they dropped everything concerning the matter,” the source added.

Mr. Onyeomereneche expressed frustration over the lack of progress, stating, “This is four months, and I have not heard anything again from the military authority, and his set has been commissioned. Now, I don’t know what again to do, but I know that God is watching all the affairs of man. If those in power and positions failed to deliver justice in this case, God will surely show that he is God.”

The autopsy report, conducted on June 29, 2024, confirmed that Chidiebere’s death was not due to drowning, but rather injuries sustained before being thrown into the pool. 

Mr. Onyeomereneche lamented the military’s inaction, saying, “It is now a year and seven months after the murder of Chidiebere, and the military has remained mute and went ahead to commission the prime suspect”.