The family of slain Nigerian Air Force cadet Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyeomereneche continues to demand justice nearly two years after his brutal murder in UmuahThe family of Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyeomereneche refuses to let his killers walk free. On April 9, 2024, the promising cadet died at Hotel Royal Damgrate in Umuahia, Abia State.
Authorities initially claimed he drowned in the hotel swimming pool. However, autopsy results later confirmed blunt force trauma as the true cause of death, shattering the drowning narrative and pointing to foul play.
Chidiebere’s father, Ephraim Onyeomereneche, vividly recalls the events leading to tragedy.
Cadet Valentine Ucheji Obeji, a fellow trainee and supposed friend, arrived at their home that day. He persuaded Chidiebere to head to the hotel. Valentine handed over car keys, phones, and clothes to Chidiebere before the young man vanished.
Hours later, hotel staff discovered Chidiebere’s lifeless body in the pool.
Valentine and police officer Eric Obeji—Valentine’s brother—quickly emerged as prime suspects in the family’s eyes.The father alleges a sinister motive.
Chidiebere excelled at the Nigerian Defence Academy and stood out as a top contender for pilot training.
Rumors circulated that only one cadet per geopolitical zone would secure the coveted pilot slot.
Ephraim believes Valentine eliminated the competition to boost his own chances.
Despite public outrage and evidence, justice stalls.
The family accuses the Nigerian military of a deliberate cover-up.
Valentine reportedly fled to Jaji shortly after the incident, evaded scrutiny, and even traveled to the UK for training.
He has since received his commission as an officer in the Nigerian Air Force.
Meanwhile, authorities allegedly protected him while scapegoating others.
The Police Service Commission issued a directive to Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, ordering a thorough, transparent probe after pressure from Human Rights Radio and widespread calls for accountability.
Nearly two years later, the family laments that the IGP ignored the order.
No meaningful progress has followed.
The case darkens further with another death. A hotel staff member who may have held key information about Chidiebere’s killing lost his life under suspicious circumstances, deepening suspicions of suppression.
Ephraim Onyeomereneche now speaks out directly.
He urges the IGP to enforce the PSC directive immediately and reopen the investigation.
The family honors Chidiebere’s memory by fighting on.
They refuse to accept silence from institutions meant to protect and serve.
As Nigeria grapples with accountability in its security forces, Chidiebere’s story stands as a stark reminder.
Families wait for answers, while alleged perpetrators advance in uniform.
The pursuit of truth demands action before more lives fade into forgotten files.