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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Ernest Onyeka stated that Presvy Ikenna Onyeka went missing on 4 September 2023 in Nkom, Cross River State, after leaving home for a haircut.
Ernest Onyeka reported that the family alerted the police the same day but was advised to wait 24 hours before further steps could be taken.
Ernest Onyeka said the family later received a call requesting identification of a body at Grassfield. Ernest Onyeka stated that Presvy Ikenna Onyeka was found with three gunshot wounds to the head, while the Lexus RX 350 vehicle belonging to Presvy Ikenna Onyeka was missing.
Ernest Onyeka explained that a search of Presvy Ikenna Onyeka’s residence led to the discovery of details for a vehicle tracking service.
Ernest Onyeka 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.
Ernest Onyeka stated that the panel beater informed the police that the vehicle had been brought in by Pastor Peter Uchena.
Ernest Onyeka said Pastor Peter Uchena was invited to Meiran Police Station, where Pastor Peter Uchena reportedly denied travelling to Nkom.
Ernest Onyeka added that Pastor Peter Uchena’s wife later told investigators that Pastor Peter Uchena had travelled to Nkom on 4 September to preach.
Ernest Onyeka said the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Lagos.
Ernest Onyeka stated that Pastor Peter Uchena allegedly admitted to driving the vehicle from Nkom to Lagos and claimed that the vehicle had been handed to Pastor Peter Uchena by Pastor Kingsley, who was accused of involvement in the shooting.
Ernest Onyeka 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.
Ernest Onyeka 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.
Ernest Onyeka 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.
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The appeal underscores the family’s persistent demand for accountability and justice in the killing of Presvy Ikenna Onyeka.
