A tragic incident has been reported in the Ajah area of Lagos State, where a 67-year-old man, Chief Augustine Nwalieze, was allegedly killed by his gateman under unclear circumstances.
According to Vanguard, Nwalieze, who was said to be a manager with Okeyson Transport, was attacked at his residence on Saturday morning shortly after he had prepared to leave the house.
A family member, who requested anonymity, described the incident as devastating for the family.
“I have been very heartbroken since yesterday. Something very bad happened to my father-in-law on Saturday,” the source said.
The relative explained that the deceased had stepped out of his apartment to the compound area where his vehicles were parked and where some spare parts and a solar installation were also kept.
“My father-in-law’s gateman, Abdullahi Dairu, killed him on Saturday. He had prepared for outing, when the incident happened. He walked downstairs to the car park, close to the store where spare parts from his cars are kept and a solar panel was stored,” he said.
According to the source, suspicion arose after the family noticed unusual silence around the compound and that none of the deceased’s vehicles had been moved.
“Nobody could really tell what happened. They didn’t hear the sound of any car driving off or the gate opening. His three cars were still parked, so, they became worried about his whereabouts. They called his phone, but he didn’t pick up,” he added.
Attention later shifted to the gateman, Abdullahi Dairu, after he reportedly gave inconsistent information about the victim’s movements.
“They went to Abdullahi Dairu, and he mentioned one of his friends, claiming he went out with him. But when the wife called that same friend, he said he hadn’t seen him that day,” the source said.
The gateman was said to have fled shortly after the questioning, heightening concerns within the household.
“By the time they returned to question him again, he had disappeared. That was when they began to search the compound thoroughly,” he said.
During a search of the premises, the family reportedly made a grim discovery.
“They found his lifeless body in one of the flats downstairs. He had machete cuts on his head, hands, and body. It was a terrible sight,” the source disclosed.
The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was confirmed dead on arrival.
It was also gathered that Nwalieze lived in the house with his wife, daughter, two domestic staff, and another woman, all of whom were upstairs at the time of the incident. His other children were said to be living independently.
The family is currently making arrangements to move his remains to his hometown for burial.
The incident has been reported to the police, who have begun investigations.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command confirmed the killing of the 67-year-old man, identified as Owkudili.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi said, “The command has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend a fleeing security guard linked to the premises.”
