By Wealth Oghenemaro
The Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government Area in Delta State, Hon. Emmanuel Bazim Chinye, is currently the subject of a murder investigation by the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of the Nigeria Police Force, following a petition linking him to the death of one Mr. Osordi Kingsley Ogugua.
According to reliable sources at the Force Headquarters, Hon. Chinye has been under investigation since May 23, 2025, after a petition filed by the law firm S. Kelechi Nnadi & Co. on behalf of Chief Jerry Nkeweshe and Mr. Felix Asuku. The petition alleged that Hon. Chinye may have played a role in a violent ambush in Onicha Olona that resulted in Ogugua’s death.
The petitioners recounted that the attack occurred during an official visit by SIU operatives and civilians to inspect the remains of buildings razed down by suspected political thugs. The assailants, reportedly armed, ambushed the team, leading to the fatal shooting of Mr. Ogugua. Several others, including police officers, barely escaped the scene alive.
Citing eyewitness accounts, the petition identified a certain Mr. Ngozi Okafor as the alleged gunman and accused Hon. Chinye of shielding the suspect from justice. It also alleged that Chinye had previously facilitated the release of suspects connected to similar cases and failed to ensure their return for further questioning.
The petitioners further raised concerns about the role of the Delta State Police Command, accusing it of obstructing investigations and calling for all suspects to be re-arrested and prosecuted.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, the Aniocha North Local Government Council has dismissed the reports as false and politically motivated. In a rebuttal signed by Hon. Ndubuisi Osemene, Special Adviser to the Chairman, the council denied any arrest or detention of Hon. Chinye.
The statement insisted that the chairman was abroad on annual leave and had traveled for his daughter’s graduation ceremony in Canada. It detailed his travel itinerary, claiming he left Nigeria on May 30, was in Canada until June 13, then proceeded to London, and returned to Lagos on June 18.
According to the statement, Chinye honored a police invitation in Abuja on June 23 and 24 but was not detained at any point. “He visited the Police Force Headquarters on both days and left freely after his engagements,” the council said.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the Delta State Police Command for an official statement were unsuccessful, as the spokesperson could not be reached.
