29/03/2026
The Passing of Mr. Ejiofor Isaac (41 years old), fondly known as “Bob”
Ka ihe ọma anyị méré mmadụ ibe anyị, ghara igbu anyị
Asim ka Ọgọ gị ghara igbu gị
According to Ikenna (Ọnwa II), his younger brother, based on the account given by Ejiofor’s wife, Chiemerie (Ejiofor's cousin), the son of Sigidi (Samuel - Ejiofor's Uncle), along with several other members of Onyeke’s family, had been charging their phones at Ejiofor’s shop free of charge for a long time. However, as Nigeria’s economic hardship worsened last year, Ejiofor found it necessary to introduce a fee for the service.
He first informed Chiemerie, explaining that circumstances had changed and that he would now need to pay like everyone else. Ejiofor, however, added that Chiemerie could still charge for free later but only when things become convenient for him. Unfortunately, Chiemerie did not take this well. He became angry and began to insult Ejiofor, even going as far as calling him a “fake pastor.” In response, Ejiofor calmly advised him to take his phone to Afor Market or any other charging outlet if he was dissatisfied.
From that moment, Chiemerie continued to publicly insult Ejiofor, even doing so on a Sunday at church.
On a later day, Chiemerie’s younger brother brought some phones to Ejiofor’s shop for charging. As was his usual practice, Ejiofor issued a collection card to ensure proper identification upon pickup. However, when it was time to collect the phones, it was Chiemerie (who had earlier been told not to return) who showed up. Ejiofor asked him to call his younger brother to present the collection card, explaining that he only released items to the person who brought them or with proper verification.
This led to further escalation. Chiemerie threatened Ejiofor, saying he would break his head if the phones were not handed over immediately. Despite attempts by a customer, Ogbuawa’s wife, to calm the situation, Chiemerie slapped Ejiofor. As Ejiofor attempted to defend himself, he was restrained and urged to let it go. While Ejiofor resumed attending to other customers, Chiemerie picked up the spine of a palm frond (igbegri) nearby and struck him on the side of the head. Ogbuawa’s wife raised an alarm, attracting people who intervened and de-escalated the situation before Chiemerie left.
It is worth noting that there had been a prior disagreement between both men, during which Ejiofor had reported Chiemerie’s behavior to his parents in hopes of correction.
Following the incident at the shop, Ejiofor later took the phones to Chiemerie’s family house. Upon seeing him approach, Chiemerie and his younger brother reportedly prepared for another confrontation. Present at the scene were their sister, Chioma, their mother, Louisa, their father, Samuel and their grandmother. As Ejiofor attempted to explain the earlier incident to the parents, he was attacked. During the altercation, Chioma stated that Chiemerie even pushed his grandmother to the ground when she tried to intervene.
After the assault, Ejiofor was eventually rescued. However, the following day, he began experiencing seizures, believed to be a result of the injuries he sustained. He was first taken to a hospital in Ogurute, where he underwent tests and received medication. Two days later, his condition worsened, with severe seizures and difficulty breathing. He was then transferred to Faith Foundation Mission Hospital, Nsukka, where he was placed on oxygen support. Sadly, after two more days, he passed away on 11th December, 2025.
We, the entire Ụmụ Okélé Youths, deeply mourn this painful loss and extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, siblings, friends, and all who knew him.
May his soul rest in the bosom of the Lord.
Emmanuel Ifebuchechukwu Ossai
Secretary (Okélé Youths Association)
