The Owelle of Onicha-Olona, Chief Jerry Nkeweshe, has publicly refuted allegations made by the Delta State Police Command, which accused him of involvement in the murder of three youths. He has threatened to sue the police force if they fail to retract their statements.
Police Accusations and Chief's Alibi
The Delta State Police Command had announced a manhunt for Chief Nkeweshe and others. They were alleged to have led an armed group that attacked the Okwe community near Asaba on November 24, 2025, an incident that resulted in the tragic deaths of three young men. The command's spokesperson, Bright Edafe, confirmed the killings and the search for the suspects.
However, reacting through his lawyer, Kelechi Nnadi, Chief Nkeweshe issued a strong denial. He described the police statement as not only false but also damaging to his reputation. The chief's legal team presented a detailed alibi, asserting that he was not in Okwe or within Asaba on the day of the incident.
A Detailed Account of Whereabouts
According to his lawyer, Chief Nkeweshe departed Asaba at approximately 8:30 am on November 24, 2025, to seek medical attention in Umunede. He remained there throughout the entire day in the company of credible witnesses, who were identified as Mr. Ifeanyi Okolo and Mr. Emmanuel Anwuzia, among others.
He only returned to Asaba later in the evening and proceeded directly to his lawyer's office. There, he was briefed for a court matter scheduled for the following day, November 25, 2025, at the Delta State High Court in Issele-Uku.
"It is therefore impossible for him to have participated in or led any armed group in Okwe on 24 November 2025," the lawyer, Kelechi Nnadi, stated emphatically.
Ultimatum and Potential Legal Repercussions
In response to what he terms as defamation, Chief Nkeweshe has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Commissioner of Police and the Police Public Relations Officer. The demands are clear and direct:
- Retract the false and defamatory publication.
- Issue a public clarification that clears his name of all allegations.
The lawyer warned that failure to comply with this demand would leave them with no alternative but to initiate comprehensive legal proceedings. The planned lawsuits would cover charges of defamation, malicious falsehood, and abuse of office.
Furthermore, they would file formal complaints before the Police Service Commission and other relevant oversight bodies to seek redress. The legal team also took the opportunity to urge the media to exercise greater diligence by verifying sensitive claims from authorities before publishing them.
