The legal counsel to Chief Jerry Nkeweshe, the Owelle of Onicha-Olona, has demanded an immediate withdrawal of a statement issued by the Delta State Police Command alleging that her client led armed men who reportedly killed three youths in Okwe community near Asaba.
Speaking during a press briefing in Asaba, Kelechi Nadia, Esq., Head of S. Kerechi Nadia & Co., said she was responding to a publication and press statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Bright Edafe, which named Chief Nkeweshe as a suspect in the incident arising from a land dispute.
“My name is Kerechi Nadia. I’m a lawyer and head of S. Kerechi Nadia and Co. I want to brief the press in response to the publication by the Police Public Relations Officer accusing my client, Chief Jerry Nkeweshe, of allegedly murdering about three youths at Okwe over a piece of land,” she stated.
‘My Client Was Not in Asaba’ — Lawyer Insists
Barr. Nadia maintained that her client was not in Okwe, Asaba, or anywhere around the area on the day of the incident.
“Unfortunately, my client was not near Asaba or Okwe or anywhere around this area throughout yesterday,” she said.
“He left to attend to his health at Umunede and was there in the company of certain persons whose names I am permitted to mention.”
he added that Chief Nkeweshe returned from Umunede later in the evening and came straight to his office, insisting that he could not have led any armed group.
“How come he led armed men to recover a piece of land in Okwe when he is not the owner of the said land?” she queried.
Alleged Police Deployment and Meetings
According to the lawyer, her client has intelligence reports suggesting that the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olufemi Abaniwonda, authorized policemen to visit Okwe for a land recovery operation.
“It was Olufemi Abaniwonda, the Commissioner of Police, who authorized some policemen to go to Okwe to execute the recovery of land,” he alleged.
“He had meetings with the people before he deployed the police yesterday, in his office on the 19th of November. Let him deny it.”
he further questioned reports that the attackers wore military camouflage.
“So does it mean he asked them to dress in military camouflage to go and kill people?”
“So the Commissioner of Police is complicit in the death of the youths that died at Okwe. Let him deny it. We have intelligence reports.”
Previous Allegations Cited
Barr. Nadia claimed this was not the first time her client had been targeted.
“The last time, he connived with the Chairman of Aniocha North, Hon. Emmanuel Chinye Bazim, to get up a fake and fictitious allegation of cyber-terrorism against my client,” she said.
he added that the matter only subsided after pressure was mounted on the Inspector General of Police, who directed the AIG to investigate.
“The truth came to light that there was no such publication by my client — not in any place, in any format, in any blogosphere.”
According to him, the current development represents another attempt to damage his client’s reputation.
“This is not the second time the Commissioner of Police is attempting and doing this in the territory of the totalitarian image of my client. I will not allow this to slide.”
Legal Action and 14-Day Ultimatum
Barr. Kelechi Nnadi said legal action is being considered against the Commissioner of Police and the PPRO.
“We are going to take action against the Commissioner of Police for defamation and for framing him up in a manner which he is criminally responsible and complicit,” he warned.
“We are going to write to him to retract this publication within 14 days, failure of which we are going to sue him and sue Bright Edafe apart from taking other actions before the Police Service Commission.”
he expressed concern that the allegation could put her client’s life in danger.
“Is that how to police a state? You go to press and put a man’s life in harm’s way. The family of those who died may target this man and kill him, accusing him when he never did any such thing.”
Calls for Balanced Reporting and Proper Investigation
The lawyer urged journalists to investigate the true ownership of the disputed land and verify claims independently.
“We are asking the press to please balance and do investigation on their own. Who owns the land? Their names are not hidden from the Commissioner of Police. He met with both sides on the 19th in his office,” she said.
“So if somebody died there, he should know who to arrest.”
he also emphasized that the matter is already before the court.
“There is no connection whatever with the land. We are in court over that issue. Let the Commissioner of Police provide the killers.”
Police Yet to Respond
As at the time of filing this report, the Delta State Police Command had not issued a fresh response to the lawyer’s claims.
The killings in Okwe have continued to heighten tension, with residents and stakeholders calling for a transparent investigation and the prosecution of those responsible.
See below for the Press release by PPRO SP Bright Edafe of Delta State Police Command
25th November, 2025
PRESS RELEASE
DELTA STATE COMMAND DECLARE MANHUNT FOR CHIEF JERRY NKEESHE AND GANG OVER THE BRUTAL KILLING OF THREE YOUTHS IN ASABA
The Delta State Police Command has activated a full-scale manhunt for Chief Jerry Nkeeshe, the Owelle of Onicha-Olona, and all members of the armed group responsible for the deadly attack that claimed the lives of three innocent youths on 24th November 2025 near ‘B’ Division, Asaba.
Preliminary investigations reveal that the said chief allegedly led a group of vigilantes and suspected cult members, some brazenly disguised in Army camouflage, to a parcel of land at Okwe community along the Asaba–Onitsha Road in a deliberate attempt to lay claim to the property. The group proceeded to enforce an unauthorised quit notice, without a court order.
Their illegal operation encountered resistance, resulting in a violent confrontation. The armed group allegedly opened fire indiscriminately, causing severe gunshot injuries to three youths, who were later confirmed dead while receiving treatment at the hospital.
In response to the criminal attack, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, immediately ordered the deployment of tactical teams, intelligence operatives, and specialised investigators to track, identify, and arrest all individuals involved. The CP condemned the act as an unprovoked, reckless, and brazen display of lawlessness that will not be tolerated under any guise.
He calls on residents of Onicha-Olona, Asaba, and neighbouring communities to support the ongoing manhunt. He emphasises that the Command will not relent until every perpetrator of the violence, irrespective of title, influence, or backing, is apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law.
The CP further reassures the public that normalcy has been restored in the area. He adds that sustained surveillance, intelligence-led patrols, and coordinated search operations are in progress to prevent any further breakdown of law and order.
The Delta State Police Command remains steadfast in protecting the lives and property of all residents. Members of the public are encouraged to report any sightings, suspicious movements, or credible information about the suspects through the Command’s dedicated emergency lines: 08036684974.
SP. BRIGHT EDAFE, ANIPR, FCIA, FIPMD
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
DELTA STATE COMMAND,
ASABA