In a distressing turn of events, Celine Ndudim from Nigeria and Afiba Tandoh from Ghana have gone missing after visiting a man they met on Facebook. The two women traveled from Port Harcourt to Aba, Abia State on April 27 to meet Andrew Ochekwo (also known as Amechi) at his residence in the Ogbor Hill area of Aba. Ochekwo, who is now deceased, had been seen in a viral video inviting the women for a “hook-up.”
Human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu highlighted the case on social media, revealing that Ochekwo had allegedly held Ndudim and Tandoh hostage. Despite being arrested by the Aba Police Divisional Headquarters, Ochekwo denied any wrongdoing. Other women came forward with claims that he had previously kidnapped and attempted to murder them.
The case was escalated from Aba to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Abia State Police Command in Umuahia, and then to the Force Headquarters in Abuja following a petition to the Inspector-General of Police. The situation took a darker turn when Ochekwo was reportedly killed by police while being transported from Abia to Abuja. Gwamnishu revealed in a Facebook post that Ochekwo was shot after allegedly trying to escape.
Further investigation led to the discovery of a decomposed body in a bush near Ochekwo’s residence, missing several parts. Although the body’s identity remains unconfirmed, a curtain used to wrap it matched one seen in Ochekwo’s home.
**Families Plead for Justice**
The families of Celine Ndudim and Afiba Tandoh are desperately seeking justice. Celine’s sister, Tessy Ndudim, reported her sister’s disappearance to the Abia State Police Command, but expressed frustration with the initial lack of urgency. Tessy insisted that the decomposed body found was not her sister’s, citing its advanced state of decay.
Afiba Tandoh’s husband has also voiced dissatisfaction with the police’s handling of the case. He remains hopeful that his wife is alive, calling for thorough investigation and confirmation before accepting any conclusions about her fate. The Ghanaian High Commission has been involved, expressing sorrow over the incident.
**Public Outcry and Call for Action**
The disappearance of Ndudim and Tandoh has sparked widespread outrage and concern in Nigeria, raising questions about online safety, law enforcement efficiency, and human rights protections. Social media users and activists are demanding improved police accountability, better investigative procedures, and heightened public awareness of the dangers associated with meeting strangers online.
**Related Incidents Highlight Broader Issue**
This case is not isolated. There has been a troubling increase in violence against young women engaging in ‘hook-up’ activities in Nigeria. Previous cases, such as the deaths of Mary Okoro and Blessing Omo, underscore the extreme risks involved. The rise in such incidents has led to public outcry and calls for addressing the socio-economic conditions driving women into these dangerous situations.
Mercy Chepaka, a social commentator and women’s rights activist, emphasized the need for urgent action to address the violence against sex workers. She called for the government and police to ensure justice for the families involved and for the broader protection of vulnerable women.
As the investigation continues, the nation awaits justice and closure in this deeply unsettling case. The urgent need to address societal vulnerabilities and ensure the safety and security of all citizens is more pressing than ever.
