Apprentice Kills Master With Pestle In Onitsha Market

Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 21-year-old apprentice, Chiemerie Anieke, for the alleged murder of his master following a violent confrontation in Onitsha.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement released in Awka on Monday. According to the report, the suspect allegedly attacked his employer, identified as the late Ikechukwu Nwite, with a wooden pestle.
The suspect also reportedly turned the weapon on the victim’s wife, Mrs. Ogechukwu Nwite, leaving her with severe injuries before he was apprehended.
The tragedy occurred in the early hours of February 15, 2026. Police investigations indicated that the late Mr. Nwite had reportedly confronted Anieke over a pattern of “bad behaviour,” which included pilfering money from the shop, staying out late, and the consuming illicit drugs.
“Preliminary information reveals that the suspect was allegedly provoked by the manner in which the late Ikechukwu admonished him,” Ikenga stated.
Following the assault, Mrs. Ogechukwu Nwite was rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital. Authorities confirmed she was currently responding to treatment.
The police have recovered the pestle used in the attack. Chiemerie Anieke remains in police custody, and the case has been officially transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Awka for a more comprehensive investigation.
The PPRO assured that the command was do a thorough process to ensure that justice was served in the matter.