A 67-year-old man, identified as Chief Augustine Nwalieze, has been found dead in his residence in the Ajah area of Lagos State in what police are treating as a suspected murder case. His gateman is currently missing and believed to have fled the scene.
The deceased, a manager with Okeyson Transport, was discovered inside his home on Saturday morning after concerns were raised over his sudden disappearance and failure to respond to calls.
According to family sources, Chief Nwalieze had prepared to leave his home earlier that day when the incident allegedly occurred. He was last seen moving toward the compound area where his vehicles, spare parts, and a solar installation were kept.
A relative, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said suspicion arose when all three of the deceased’s vehicles remained parked and repeated attempts to reach him by phone proved unsuccessful.
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“At first, we thought he had gone out, but his cars were still there. We kept calling his phone, but there was no response,” the source said.
Attention later shifted to the gateman, identified as Abdullahi Dairu, after he reportedly gave conflicting accounts about the victim’s whereabouts.
He allegedly claimed the deceased had gone out with a friend, a statement later contradicted by the said friend.
Shortly after being questioned again, the gateman reportedly disappeared from the compound, raising further alarm among family members.
A search of the residence eventually led to the discovery of Chief Nwalieze’s lifeless body inside one of the downstairs flats. He was found with machete-inflicted injuries on his head, hands, and body.
He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was confirmed dead on arrival.
At the time of the incident, his wife, daughter, two domestic staff, and another occupant were reportedly upstairs in the building and were unaware of what had happened.
The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the incident and launched an investigation into the suspected murder. Authorities say efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gateman, who is now a key suspect.
Police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi stated that detectives have commenced a full investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the killing and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Meanwhile, the family has begun arrangements to move the deceased’s body to his hometown for burial as they mourn his tragic death.
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