Matter under investigation, say police
The Arts Editor and Deputy Editorial Board Chairman at Vanguard Newspapers Limited, Dr Mbonu-Amadi Chiedozie, has petitioned the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), through the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, over alleged harassment, illegal detention and refusal to settle his 22-year-old nephew, Chimobi Mbonu, by the man he served for four years.
The 61-year-old native of Umunakara, Imerienwe, Ngor-Okpala, Imo State, said he established a scholarship scheme within the Mbonu-Amadi family to ensure that every family member can pursue a university education. However, four years ago, his eldest brother’s second son, Chimobi Mbonu, chose to first learn a trade in solar equipment.
Consequently, he was placed under the apprenticeship of one Kingsley Akamere under the boy-boy apprenticeship scheme. Akamere runs a solar equipment business in Lagos.
Recanting, he said in 2024, after Chimobi had served Akamere for four years, Chimobi’s mother informed him that Akamere intended to send Chimobi away without the agreed financial settlement.
He said he was asked to meet Akamere to hear his side and before he could arrange this, Chimobi called one Sunday by January ending in 2025, and said his master had asked him to pack his belongings and that he would be sent back to the village by Saturday.
According to him, on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at about 4:00 a.m., Chimobi called that he was already at the Maza Maza bus station, ready to board a bus to Imo State but he asked him to wait.
He said he negotiated with Akamere who later agreed he take Chimobi to his house but on the way, Akamere called him repeatedly and when he picked, Akamere ordered him to return Chimobi to the bus station or face consequences that he would accuse him of kidnapping.
He said they later reached an agreement and he signed an undertaking drafted by Akamere.
When he asked what offence Chimobi had committed, he later told him, “Send Chimobi away. Don’t allow him to stay in your house. If you have N5,000, give it to him.”
But when he asked whether Chimobi stole his money or goods, he answered in the negative.
Also asked what the problem is, Akamere did not offer any response and stopped answering the office bell promptly.
He said the matter ended and Chimobi started working at Alaba International Market as a middleman, but months later, he received a public notice circulated by Akamere bearing Chimobi’s photo and a statement that Chimobi Victor is no longer a member of staff of Guaranteed Solar Inverter System and Kings Pure Energy Ltd and that any transaction with him is at the personal’s own risk.
Akamere and his family continued to warn traders at Alaba International Market against doing business with Chimobi or allowing him near their shops. But Chimobi’s natural charisma earned him sympathisers but the worst incident occurred on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
Chimobi was arrested in handcuffs at Ojo Police Station, Lagos, after Akamere had allegedly used an accomplice to lure Chimobi outside the market under false pretences. The accomplice pretended to want to buy solar equipment and asked Chimobi to guide him from Alaba Rago to Alaba International Market.
Upon arrival, Akamere and police officers handcuffed Chimobi.
The three young men were taken to the Police Force Zone 2 Headquarters in Onikan, Lagos.
Akamere accused the three of conspiring with one Favour to steal about N22 million from him.
He presented WhatsApp voice-notes allegedly obtained from Favour’s phone as evidence of business transactions between the accused and Favour.
On Thursday, June 26, 2025, the bail of the three boys was secured.
He said on Friday, June 27, 2025, Akamere resumed his threats and insults, allegedly boasting of having various means to force Chimobi out of Alaba International Market, including sending area boys he feeds to harass him until he leaves Lagos voluntarily.
In the light of these distressing events, Chiedozie asked the police to invite Favour for questioning and obtain a fresh statement from her in the light of the voice message Akamere sent to him.
He also demanded that Akamere’s business operations be investigated, especially given his admission that he supports criminals he could deploy to harass Chimobi.
He also wants the prosecution of Akamere if it is found that he fabricated or forged evidence against Chimobi, Nnamdi, and Great.
Furthermore, the petitioner urged the police to obtain an official undertaking from Akamere to cease all attempts to harm Chimobi or obstruct his efforts to earn a living at Alaba International Market, prosecute him for defamation for printing and circulating Chimobi’s name and picture with false warnings to the public, and persuade him to compensate Chimobi with the sum of N20 million for serving and working for him for four years without salary.
When The Guardian reached out to Akamere, he simply said: “I cannot disclose anything. The Guardian should write and visit me if it wants my response.
He later called and insisted that he won’t speak on the matter.
Meanwhile, the Spokesperson of Zone 2 Police Command, Ayuba Tunni Umma, has confirmed receipt of the petition, stressing: “The matter was reported and we are investigating the case.”
