Family petitions authorities for justice in the Presvy Onyeka killing after suspects were granted bail in Cross River State

Ernest Onyeka has formally petitioned Nigerian authorities, demanding renewed action in the Presvy Onyeka killing after suspects earlier arrested in connection with the case were granted bail and returned to their routine activities.

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He stated that Presvy Ikenna Onyeka went missing on 4 September 2023 in Nkom, Cross River State, after leaving home for a haircut.

Ernest reported that the family alerted the police the same day but was advised to wait 24 hours before further steps could be taken.

He said the family later received a call requesting identification of a body at Grassfield. Ernest stated that Presvy was found with three gunshot wounds to the head, while the Lexus RX 350 vehicle belonging to the deceased was missing.

Ernest explained that a search of Presvy’s residence led to the discovery of details for a vehicle tracking service.

He said the tracking company located the vehicle in Lagos, where the family traced it to a panel beater’s workshop in Meiran. Ernest Onyeka reported that efforts were allegedly under way to repaint the vehicle.

The panel beater informed the police that the vehicle had been brought in by Pastor Peter Uchena.

Ernest said Pastor Uchena was invited to Meiran Police Station, where the pastor reportedly denied travelling to Nkom.

However, the pastor’s wife later told investigators that Pastor Uchena had travelled to Nkom on 4 September to preach.

Ernest said the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Lagos.

He added that pastor allegedly admitted to driving the vehicle from Nkom to Lagos and claimed that the vehicle had been handed to him by one Pastor Kingsley, who was accused of involvement in the shooting.

Ernest reported that the matter was later transferred to Zone 6, Cross River State, where the pastors were arrested.

Ernest Onyeka stated that the family was subsequently informed that the suspects were granted bail on health grounds.

He expressed concern that Pastor Peter Uchena has since returned to Lagos and resumed church activities, while the family continues to seek closure in the unresolved case.

He then appealed to the Government of Nigeria, the Chief Judge of Cross River State, and the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, to revisit the case with urgency and ensure a thorough, transparent investigation and diligent prosecution of all those implicated.