Father of Deceased Cadet Alleges Conspiracy in Son’s Death Investigation
Ephraim Onyemereneche, father of CDT Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyemereneche, has accused various agencies of a “conspiracy of silence” regarding the death of his son. CDT Onyemereneche, a cadet at the National Defence Academy (NDA), was found dead on April 4, 2024, after allegedly drowning in a swimming pool at a popular hotel in Umuahia.
According to reports, Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyemereneche, who was set to graduate from the NDA soon, visited the hotel with friends when he reportedly went missing from the pool. His body was discovered by the state fire service and confirmed dead at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia.
Following the release of the autopsy report on August 22, 2024, which indicated that Chidiebere did not die by drowning, but was murdered, Ephraim Onyemereneche has expressed frustration with the lack of progress in the investigation. He criticized the Nigerian Army, police, and Navy for their alleged inaction.
Onyemereneche detailed his efforts to seek justice, including writing to the Chief of Army Staff and Force Headquarters, both of which acknowledged receipt of his letters but failed to provide substantive responses. He also highlighted the inaction of local authorities, including a failed petition to the state House of Assembly.
“I have written to almost everyone seeking justice for my son, but all I get is a ‘conspiracy of silence,’” Onyemereneche lamented. “The investigation into his death seems to have been deliberately stalled.”
The autopsy, conducted openly with significant participation from various professionals, revealed that Chidiebere’s death was not accidental. Onyemereneche criticized the lack of accountability for those involved in the incident, including the hotel staff and others potentially implicated in his son’s murder.
He called for justice and accountability, expressing disbelief that his son’s case has not received the same level of attention as other high-profile cases. “We just want justice for Chidiebere. If it were someone else’s child, would they let it go?” he asked.
The situation remains unresolved, and Onyemereneche continues to seek answers and action from the involved parties.
