ONITSHA, Nigeria — A gruesome killing has shocked Anambra State after police discovered the mutilated body of a spare parts dealer in the home of a colleague who allegedly harvested his organs.
The victim, identified only as Chinemerem, was reported missing on Saturday, August 30, 2025, after he left the Old Motor Spare Parts Market in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area, with another trader known popularly as “Dangote.”
Market colleagues and family members said the 25-year-old had recently completed six years of apprenticeship and was preparing to establish his own business.
“He never slept outside the house without notifying us,” said his former master, Ifeanyi Obasi, who trained him.
According to Obasi, when Chinemerem did not return home on Saturday night, repeated calls to his phone went unanswered.
Concern grew after fellow traders reported seeing him leave the market with Dangote earlier that day.
On Tuesday, September 2, 2025, the suspect resurfaced at the market and was confronted by Obasi and others.
Witnesses said he initially denied knowledge of Chinemerem’s whereabouts before attempting to flee.
He was pursued, caught in a drainage channel, and later handed over to security personnel.
Police said the suspect attempted to ingest a poisonous substance as he was apprehended.
Under interrogation, he allegedly confessed to killing Chinemerem and storing his body in his apartment on Obinnakwe Street, Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area.
Investigators who entered the property recovered the victim’s remains from a refrigerator.
His eyes, genitals, limbs, and kidney had been removed, police said.
The chairman of the Old Motor Spare Parts Market, Chief Samuel Ifurunwa, confirmed that market security officers assisted the police in recovering the body.
Both the suspect and victim are believed to hail from Enugu State.
Authorities said the suspect claimed he acted under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
The police command in Okpoko has opened an investigation into possible ritual motives.
The killing has sparked outrage in Obosi, a bustling commercial hub known for its spare parts trade.
“We are devastated,” Obasi said. “He was a hardworking young man, full of promise.”
