A disturbing case of kidnapping, attempted murder, and extortion has rocked the Obuvia Awgu, Ugwuleshi Autonomous Community in Awgu Town, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

According to a petition filed at the Police Force Headquarters by the family of Nwafor Kelechi, a resident of the community, Kelechi was allegedly lured to an uncompleted school building and taken hostage by a vigilante group led by Ilo Chidiebere Kingsley, popularly known as De Mongo Park.

The petition, signed by Okoye Uchenna Patrick on behalf of the victim’s family, alleged that members of the vigilante group stabbed Kelechi in the neck and foot, seized his house keys, and ransacked his home, carting away valuables, including cash. The suspects were also accused of forcing Kelechi at knifepoint to transfer ₦50,000 from his bank account using his phone.

In a shocking revelation, the family claimed that the assailants filmed Kelechi while he was tied to a pole, bleeding profusely from his throat and stripped naked, accusing him of attempted sodomy.

The petition further alleged that the vigilante commander, De Mongo Park, and his group boasted openly that they could not be arrested or prosecuted due to the alleged protection they receive from powerful figures — including the traditional ruler of the community, the President General of Ugwuleshi Autonomous Community, and a top retired police officer.

“Nwafor Kelechi was lured to an uncompleted school building and taken hostage by our community security personnel acting under the instruction of their commander,” the petition reads.

“He was stabbed in the throat and foot, his house was burgled, and valuables including money were stolen. He was forced to transfer ₦50,000 at knifepoint, then tied to a pole, bleeding for hours while being recorded on video.”

The family stated that after the brutal assault, the suspects attempted to cover up their crime by taking Kelechi to the local police station when he threatened to involve law enforcement over the theft of his property.

However, they allege that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the area has so far refused to arrest the suspects, citing influence from local leaders.

“The suspects have openly boasted that they cannot be arrested because of the alleged interference of the traditional ruler, the President General of our community, and a top retired police officer who formed and inaugurated this security outfit,” the family alleged.

Although the Enugu State Police Command has reportedly stepped in, the family claims that certain influential figures are attempting to manipulate the investigation’s outcome.

“We are shocked and traumatized by the brutality and cruelty inflicted on our beloved family member,” said Okoye Uchenna Patrick, a spokesperson for the family. “We demand that justice be served and those responsible for this heinous crime be held accountable.”

The family is calling on the Inspector General of Police, the Enugu State Government, and human rights organizations to intervene, ensure an impartial investigation, and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Meanwhile, sources disclosed that the D9 Department of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) is currently handling the case. However, as of press time, the Enugu State Police Command has not issued an official statement. The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, did not respond to calls or text messages seeking clarification on the matter.