Imo State is in mourning following the brutal murder of Ogochukwu Viola Anele, 25.
On Saturday, May 27, 2023, the young graduate of Imo State University was laid to rest in her hometown of Umuori Umuafai in Dikenafai Ideato South Local Government Area.
The circumstances of Ogochukwu’s murder are still unknown.
On February 7, 2023, she was discovered dead in a man’s house in the Ikeduru Local Government Area.
The reason for her presence in the suspect’s home, as well as the motivation behind her alleged murder, are unknown.
Ogochukwu’s grieving father, retired individual Cosmas Anele, revealed that the police demanded N60,000 before accompanying him to the crime scene and the mortuary where his daughter’s body was deposited.
Mr. Anele, a resident of Umudagu, Mbieri, expressed his grief over the tragic loss of his second daughter in a viral video that circulated on social media following the murder.
Ogochukwu, who worked for a payment company, did not return home on Tuesday, February 7, despite promising her mother earlier in the day.
Mr. Anele described the family’s heartbreaking ordeal.
They clung to hope and prayed that Ogochukwu would return home safely. They remained vigilant and repeatedly called her phone, but received no response. Mr. Anele set out the next morning to look for his missing daughter.
He reported her disappearance to the nearest police station and also sought help from the Department of State Services (DSS), hoping that Ogochukwu was detained there. Unfortunately, she was not discovered.
Mr. Anele received a call from his other children on his way to the Police Station on Mbaise Road, informing him that someone had answered a call made to Ogochukwu’s phone.
The call came from the Police Station in Iho, Ikeduru local government area, adding to his worries about his daughter’s safety.
Mr. Anele was directed to the State Criminal Investigations Department upon his arrival at the station, where he was confronted with the devastating news of his daughter’s murder by the officer in charge.
He asked to see Ogochukwu’s body in order to confirm her identity.
However, he claims that the police demanded N60,000 in payment. His pleas were reportedly rejected despite his attempts to negotiate a lower amount.
Mr. Anele reluctantly agreed to the requested transfer and was led to a house where he witnessed the horrifying scene.
His beloved daughter’s blood was splattered across the floor. He broke down and wept, overcome by grief.
The man accompanying them on the trip was later revealed to be the occupant of the room and the alleged murderer.
Mr. Anele was then led to the mortuary to view Ogochukwu’s remains.
The tragic and senseless murder of Ogochukwu Viola Anele has stunned the entire Imo State community.
Her untimely death has left family, friends, and acquaintances heartbroken, seeking answers and justice for the young life cut short.
See photos below.
By Ejoh Esther
