• Sunday, May 19, 2024
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6 Chinese men charged with murder of Nigerian in the Philippines

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The Philippines National Police has filed murder cases against six Chinese individuals suspected of being involved in the brutal killing of a Nigerian medical student, Chibuikem Emmanuel, in the country. The tragic events unfolded in Mandaue City, Philippines, leaving the nation in shock and prompting a call for justice.

“The suspects’ photos and information had been sent to all the airports around so they don’t escape; they are still searching for them,” disclosed an anonymous source who spoke to PUNCH on X, shedding light on the ongoing efforts to bring the suspects to justice.

According to another source, who chose to remain anonymous, the chilling incident took place on a fateful Sunday when Chibuikem was allegedly murdered by a group of Chinese individuals.

PUNCH said the source described a gruesome scene, stating, “The deceased died of alleged torture by his assailants who tied his hands and mouth and subsequently beat him to death.” This horrific act occurred on Orlacson Street, 6014, Mandaue City, Philippines, where an argument erupted over a commission meant for Chibuikem’s girlfriend, who is of Philippines nationality.

“There was a heated argument among the deceased, his girlfriend, and the head of the company, who happens to be a Chinese woman. The argument was because of the commission Chibuikem’s girlfriend was supposed to get,” the source elaborated, providing context to the tragic events that led to Chibuikem’s demise.

The situation escalated rapidly when two vehicles arrived at the premises, claiming to take Chibuikem to the police station for causing a disturbance. “It was later discovered by the deceased’s allies that Chibuikem was not taken to the station. A bus later came to drop the student off in front of the police station with his hands tied and scars on his face,” continued the source, detailing the shocking turn of events.

Read also:Nigerian student allegedly killed in the Philippines

Tragically, Chibuikem was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. His untimely death has sparked outrage and calls for justice, not only from the local community but also from international entities. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, through its spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, declared its intent to investigate the incident, stating, “The commission will set the machinery in motion to investigate the matter and unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

“When contacted for further information, Abdur-Rahman emphasised that the commission would rely on details from the Nigerian embassy in the Philippines and the complainant to aid in their investigation, adding, ‘So, we’re still investigating,'” noted the spokesperson, underscoring the commitment to uncovering the truth.

The National Association of Nigerian Students has also joined the chorus of voices demanding justice for Chibuikem Emmanuel.

As the investigation proceeds, the Mandaue City Police Office has taken a significant step by filing murder cases against the six Chinese nationals allegedly involved in Chibuikem’s murder.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Franco Oriol, MCPO’s deputy city director for administration and spokesperson, shed some light on the motives behind the heinous act, revealing, “According to the witness, the Nigerian national refused to work there on the job that he was given, and the Chinese allegedly suspected him of sexually harassing one of their co-workers. According to our witnesses, the Nigerian was mauled in the other room.”

Amid the ongoing investigation, it’s crucial to note that Chibuikem’s girlfriend vehemently denies the allegations, casting a shadow of doubt on the motive. The police have stated that they are still verifying the accusations against the Chinese suspects, leaving room for the possibility that it might be an attempt to cover up the brutal mauling.