CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

A Ladipo market trader and suspected notorious cult leader, Mr Chekwube Nzediowu popularly known as ‘Azonto’ has been killed in a clash with local vigilante known as Alado boys in Lagos.

The incident happened at Isheri Oshun area on his way to an undisclosed hotel for a night out with his friend.

P.M.EXPRESS gathered that the late Nzediowu sustained severally machete cuts from the vigilante group and bled to death. When he was eventually rushed to Isolo General Hospital, the doctors merely certified him dead. The corpse was then deposited at Yaba mortuary for autopsy report.

Meanwhile, the police at Isheri Oshun Division has arrested two  suspects in connection with the alleged murder. The suspects whose identities were not disclosed by the police have been transferred to State Anti Robbery Squad at Ikeja for further interrogations.

It was gathered that ‘Azonto’ met his untimely death after he returned from the market and left his house at Kerube area to an undisclosed hotel with his friend. P.M.EXPRESS reports that they boarded a motorcycle but unknown to them the ‘okada man’ was a member of the local vigilante. On the way they had disagreement with the ‘Okada’ rider which resulted in exchange of words and fighting.

It was learnt that the ‘Okada’ rider raised alarm claiming that the deceased and his friends were armed robbers who wanted to rob him of his bike with machetes. The alarm attracted other security men around who joined hands and murdered the victim while his friend escaped.

When our correspondent visited Isheri Oshun Police Division, the DPO was not around for comments. However, sources at the police station confirmed the incident and referred the reporter to SARS for further inquiry.

The deceased 25-year old  hailed from Ezinifite in Nnewi area of the Anambra State and was not yet married before the incident happened.

The incident shocked some of the traders at Aguiyi Ironsi section of the Ladipo Market  because they did not expect that the deceased will die that way.
Meanwhile, members of his family said they were yet to retrieve his corpse for burial at his home town.

The late ‘Azonto’ will be remembered for his activities during the crisis in the market, which sources said that he participated fully before peace returned to the market recently.