I Killed My Master After He Discovered I Stole N5m To Start Business – Apprentice Confesses

KINGSLEY EBERE 

A 21-year old apprentice, Chiemerie Anieke, who killed his master, Ikechukwu Nwite, aka Turn-By-Turn, at the Ogbo-Ogwu drug market at Bridge Head, has confessed that he actually killed him after the deceased discovered N5m he secretly saved to start his own business. 

 

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the suspect, Chiemerie, who hails from Ebonyi State, made the confession at the Police Command saying that it has happened and he was ready to face the consequences of his action.

 

The suspect was brought to Onitsha as an apprentice by the late Ikechukwu Nwite at the Ogbo-Ogwu drug market at Bridge Head under the Igbo apprenticeship system, widely known as Igba Boi, for less than three years and he lived in his master’s residence before the incident happened.

 

The suspect admitted attacking his master in the early hours of 15th February, 2026, but denied acting under the influence of drugs or alcohol. He claimed mounting frustrations and fear pushed him to act.

 

According to Chiemerie, he relocated to Onitsha in 2023 after passing his WAEC and JAMB examinations but was unable to pursue university education due to financial challenges.

He disclosed that tension recently developed between him and his master after his master discovered that he had secretly saved about N5 million with the help of a friend in preparation to leave the apprenticeship and start his own business.

 

However, he claimed that only about N3 million was returned to him after the money was withdrawn, worsening his financial distress.

The suspect further stated that he heard rumours that his master planned to seize his savings and punish him over alleged misconduct. He said being locked out of the house on the night of February 14 angered him.

“I did not intend to kill him, I was overwhelmed and believed the devil manipulated me” he said.

The residents of No. 2 Onyiuke Street, off Zik’s Avenue, Fegge, in Onitsha South Local Government Area of Anambra State, were left in shock following the gruesome killing.

 

According to a neighbour, the trouble began when Chiemerie reportedly returned home late on February 14. The deceased’s sister, Ogechukwu Nwite, who also managed the shop, informed her brother of his absence. He allegedly instructed that Chiemerie should not be allowed into the house.

Unknown to the family, the suspect  sneaked into the house through the kitchen and hid. When his master returned in the early hours of the morning, Chiemerie allegedly attacked him with a pestle, striking him repeatedly on the head. He then reportedly attacked Ogechukwu in her room.

 

The wife of the deceased later raised the alarm after disarming the suspect, attracting neighbours to the scene. Nwite was confirmed dead at the hospital, while his sister survived and is receiving treatment.

The spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command confirmed the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of the pestle used in the attack. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka for further investigation.

“Police preliminary findings suggested that the suspect may have been angered by repeated reprimands over alleged misconduct, including theft, staying out late and drug use.” he stated.