A 21-year-old apprentice, Chiemerie Anieke, has confessed to killing his master in Onitsha, saying he is prepared to face the consequences of his actions.
Chiemerie, who hails from Ebonyi State, was apprenticed to the late Ikechukwu Nwite, popularly known as Turn-By-Turn, at the Ogbo-Ogwu drug market in Bridge Head, Onitsha.
He had been under the Igbo apprenticeship system, widely known as Igba Boi, for less than three years and lived in his master’s residence.
Speaking in police custody, the suspect admitted attacking his master in the early hours of February 15, 2026, but denied acting under the influence of drugs or alcohol. He claimed mounting frustrations and fear pushed him to act.
According to Chiemerie, he relocated to Onitsha in 2023 after passing his WAEC and JAMB examinations but was unable to pursue university education due to financial challenges. He said tensions had recently developed between him and his master.
He alleged that he had secretly saved about N5 million with the help of a friend in preparation to leave the apprenticeship and start his own business. However, he claimed that only about N3 million was returned to him after the money was withdrawn, worsening his financial distress.
The suspect further stated that he heard rumours that his master planned to seize his savings and punish him over alleged misconduct. He said being locked out of the house on the night of February 14 angered him.
“I did not intend to kill him,” he reportedly said, adding that he felt overwhelmed and believed “the devil manipulated” him. He, however, declared that he was ready to face the consequences.
Residents of No. 2 Onyiuke Street, off Zik’s Avenue, Fegge, in Onitsha South Local Government Area of Anambra State, were left in shock following the gruesome killing.
According to a neighbour, the trouble began when Chiemerie reportedly returned home late on February 14. The deceased’s sister, Ogechukwu Nwite, who also managed the shop, informed her brother of the apprentice’s absence. He allegedly instructed that Chiemerie should not be allowed into the house.
Unbeknownst to the family, the apprentice reportedly sneaked into the house through the kitchen and hid. When his master returned in the early hours of the morning, Chiemerie allegedly attacked him with a pestle, striking him repeatedly on the head. He then reportedly attacked Ogechukwu in her room.
The deceased’s wife later raised the alarm after disarming the suspect, attracting neighbours to the scene. Nwite was confirmed dead at the hospital, while his sister survived and is receiving treatment.
The spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command confirmed the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of the pestle used in the attack. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka for further investigation.
Police preliminary findings suggested that the suspect may have been angered by repeated reprimands over alleged misconduct, including theft, staying out late and drug use.
From her hospital bed, Ogechukwu said she was asleep when she felt a heavy blow to her head. She said she managed to struggle with the attacker and escape to call for help, expressing disbelief at the violent turn of events. At the time of filing this report, she had not been informed of her brother’s death.
The Police described the incident as tragic and stressed the need for early intervention in cases involving behavioural issues. They advised families and business owners to adopt structured conflict resolution measures and seek professional or community support where necessary.
The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.
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