Anambra Councillor beats 19-year-old nephew to death over stolen phone

A councillor representing Nsogwu Umunze Ward 2 in Orumba South Local Government of Area of the state, Mr. Chidiebere Onyema has allegedly beaten his 19-year-old nephew to death for stealing his phone

The name of the victim was given as Nnanyere.

The mother of the deceased, Mrs. Gloria Onyema, claimed that her son died following beatings he received from the councillor.

According to her, Chidiebere came to their house and asked after the deceased, adding that when her husband, Okwudili, opened the door, he saw Chidiebere fuming.

She said her husband promised the councillor that he would pass his message to the late Nnanyere, who was not at home at that moment.

He then pleaded with him to be patient, adding that they were surprised on their return from the day's business to be told by their younger son, Tochukwu, that the councillor came back in their absence and beat Nnanyere to stupor, Vanguard reports.

She said, "I went to look for Nnanyere and met him at the councillor's house lying down helplessly. I was told that my son stole the councillor's cell phone.

"I offered to pay N20,000 as part payment of the N35,000 the councillor claimed was the cost of the phone so that my son can be released to me to enable me take him to hospital for treatment.

"On getting to the Immaculate Hospital, Umunze, with my son, he was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty."

Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ali Okechukwu, confirmed the incident, saying that the councillor had been detained at the State Investigation Bureau, SIB, Awka, for interrogation.

Okechukwu said that investigation into the matter had commenced.