A 23-year-old student of Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Uwana, Ebonyi State, Chinedu Hope, met a tragic fate on his birthday, allegedly drugged to death by a friend in Agbo Ibeku, Umuahia, Abia state.
Reports by The Punch indicate that Chinedu was lured by his friend, Dan, to a hideout run by a drug baron named Yoko in Umuodudu Ibeku, where the incident happened.
According to Chinedu’s mother, Mrs. Stella Ogbonnaya, upon arriving at the hideout, Chinedu, who abstained from hard drugs, waited for Dan in his Keke.
“When Chinedu got inside, Yoko said that whoever steps into the bunk, must partake in what they are taking. But Chinedu doesn’t take ice, (otherwise known as methamphetamine or mkpurummiri) or jico and Chinedu told Yoko he wouldn’t take it.
“It was at that time that Yoko ordered the rest to tie Chinedu with rope. Dan assisted them in tying him, both hands and legs, threw him on the ground, mixed the ice (methamphetamine) and jico, used a spoon to open his mouth, and poured the mixed substance into his mouth while hitting him with a hammer to make him swallow it.
“After he had swallowed all of the mixed substance, they took him to where they had digged a pit and threw him into the pit. He was struggling inside the pit with both hands and legs with the rope while he kept shouting ‘my stomach, my stomach,” Mrs. Ogbonnaya narrated.
Heartbroken by the loss, Chinedu’s family, including his father, Hope Oluoha, and twin sister, Favour Hope, are appealing for justice and a thorough investigation into the matter.
Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer ASP Maureen Chinaka assured that investigations are underway, following a report received from Chinedu’s family.
The suspects connected to the crime have been apprehended, signaling a step towards seeking justice for the untimely demise of Chinedu Hope.
