A middle-aged man identified simply as Emeka has died in controversial circumstances after allegedly being thrown from a four-storey building at 17, Afubera Street, Odoakpu, near Onitsha, in the Onitsha South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The incident occurred around 3am on Friday, sending shockwaves through the neighbourhood.
When PUNCH correspondent visited the scene on Sunday, residents had gathered in the compound as police operatives maintained a presence.
A viral video showed the lifeless body of the deceased lying in a pool of blood as onlookers watched in horror.
Emeka, who worked as a site supervisor and resided in the same building, was allegedly accused of stealing boxer shorts belonging to his employer, who also owns the property where some floors are used as a factory for producing the undergarments.
A resident, who gave her name simply as Chichi, told our correspondent that the deceased was severely beaten and locked up for three days before his death.
She said, “He was accused of stealing some boxer shorts, which led to his beating. After that, he was tied and locked in a room for three days.
“At about 3am on Friday, we heard a loud shout. When we rushed out, we saw his lifeless body on the ground. His head was tied, suggesting he was thrown down from the fourth floor.”
She added that the police subsequently evacuated the corpse and arrested suspects, including factory workers on the premises.
The Police Public Relations Officer for the Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident on Sunday, saying key suspects had been apprehended and a formal investigation was underway.
Ikenga said, “There are various accounts aiding the investigation. Some allege the victim was killed by his employers, while others claim he attempted to escape by jumping from the building after being locked in a room.
“The police are working with all the information to ensure justice is served. An autopsy will also be conducted to aid further findings. The case is under investigation, and suspects are in custody.“
