“I’m ready to die, face judgment”: Man speaks on why he killed his boss in Onitsha

Chiemerie Anieke has narrated the events that led to the tragic killing of his employer in Onitsha, stating that he is fully prepared to face death and divine judgment for his actions.

Speaking with The Nation newspaper at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), where the case was transferred, Chiemerie denied several allegations made against him, including claims of drug addiction and staying out late on the night of the incident. However, he openly admitted that he struck his boss, Ikechukwu Nwite, with a pestle and also attacked his sister with the same object.

According to him, he relocated to Onitsha in 2023 to serve as an apprentice through the help of his elder brother, who had connections with his master. He explained that his parents, who are peasant farmers, could not afford to sponsor his university education despite his success in both aWAEC and JAMB examinations.

Chiemerie said his relationship with his boss was peaceful at first but later deteriorated due to repeated maltreatment. He recalled an incident where he returned from a church program and his boss aggressively questioned him about his whereabouts. When he reported the matter to his elder brother, he was advised to endure the situation as part of the apprenticeship process.

He further revealed that in July last year, he asked a friend, Nnabuife, to help him open a bank account so he could save money secretly. Over time, the savings reportedly grew to N5 million. However, when the money was withdrawn, he was handed slightly above N3 million. His friend allegedly threatened to take everything, claiming it as compensation for assisting him.

Chiemerie said he had planned to leave the apprenticeship and establish his own business with the savings, and the dispute over the money left him deeply frustrated.

Explaining what led to the killing, he stated that he returned from the market around 7:30 pm that day feeling unwell and went to buy medication from a chemist after informing his master’s sister. Before his return, she reportedly informed his boss, who instructed that he should not be allowed into the house.

He said he stayed outside for hours until his boss’s wife, unaware of the instruction, opened the door. He remained in the kitchen until about 3 a.m. when his master returned home. At that point, he picked up a pestle and struck him repeatedly on the back of the head. He also attacked the sister, who later managed to escape and alert neighbours.

Chiemerie claimed he acted out of fear, saying he had heard rumours that his boss planned to seize his savings and punish him severely. He also mentioned long-standing grievances, including being denied a mobile phone while everyone else in the compound owned one.

Although he admitted to previously using Tramadol, he insisted he had stopped after being warned by his boss and denied being under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the incident. He blamed his actions on what he described as “the devil’s manipulation.”

He maintained that killing his boss was not his original intention but said the continued maltreatment and the decision to lock him out that night pushed him to act.

Speaking on how he felt afterward, Chiemerie showed no visible remorse and stated that he was prepared to face any punishment.

“I am ready for whatever comes—whether death by hanging or shooting. I know forgiveness is impossible, even if I ask for it. I am prepared to die and face judgment,” he said.