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Death of David Ogbonna at Unizik: Parents deny school fees hike as cause
Parents of the late David Ogbonna, who allegedly committed suicide in one of the hostels at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka have denied school fees hike as the cause of their son’s death.
The parents , Pastor and Mrs Esther Ogbonna were livid with media reports attributing school fees hike by the University as the cause of their son’s death, as according to them, all his needs were provided for without worry by them and his siblings who as well contributed in turns for his upkeep.
The mother of the deceased, Esther Ogbonna who spoke on behalf of the family as the father watches during a meeting with management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka insisted that the media reports were misleading and diversionary, even as she commended the management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka for the steps taken so far to unravel the mystery behind the death of their son.
She reiterated the need for all the security agencies involved to trace and unravel the mystery behind her son’s death allegedly via suicide on his room,as the school fees hike dummy wasn’t an issue at all.
She said her late son couldn’t have died of financial incapabilities as aside their support to him and that of his siblings,he was hardworking and did so many minor jobs like tailoring and laundry to support himself.
She informed the school management that his son complained of his poor grade in one of his courses in first year during her last discussion with her son a day before his demise which she encouraged him to work hard on the course to remedy the deficiency in next exams. She added that his son’s tone wasn’t lamentations to warrant taking his life the next moment.
One of the brothers of the deceased student, Samuel Ogbonna who accompanied his parents to Unizik after the death of David collaborated his mother, Mrs Esther Ogbonna’s story about his late brother and was at lost on why he should take his life because of financial crisis allegedly hike in school fees as the media reported when all his needs were provided.
Meanwhile, the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka in a press statement dated 22nd August,2021 said the University community was saddened by the ugly incident and would leave no stone unturned to unravel the mystery behind the alleged suicide of the student in his hostel room.
In press statement referenced NAU/DIPR/71, signed by Chika Gladys Ene,
Ag. Head, Information and Public Relations/Chief Protocol Officer of the university , the university asked for calm by all staff and students as it’s doing everything possible in the right direction concerning the incident.
The statement tagged: Demise of Ogbonna David ,200 level student of the university, Mrs Ene , said :” The University community is saddened by the death of our student David Ogbonna allegedly via suicide. He was found inside a wardrobe dangling with a rope round his neck. He was a 200 level student of the Department of Physics.
” The incident occurred on 20th August, 2021 at the male Hostel inside the University premises. Media reports attributed his death allegedly to hike in school fees. But, rather than rush to the media, we embarked on thorough investigation into the remote and immediate cause of the unfortunate demise of a future star by inviting everyone that needed to speak over the incident supposedly.
“The University Management upon hearing the sad news carried out due protocol by inviting the Universitys Medical centre and the Nigerian Police Force who evacuated the body to the mortuary. The University Management and the NPF have consequently launched investigation into the alleged suicide act by the late student and its currently ongoing.
“The parents also met with the University Management to discover their side of the story to be able to unravel the mystery behind his death.
“The parents of the late student, Pastor and Mrs. Ogbonna during the meeting with University Management, Council and the SUG categorically stated that hike in school fees wouldn’t have been the reason for their son’s death as they provided everything he needed.
‘The parents also insisted they supply him with food items regularly even upto last Thursday before his unfortunate demise. The parents said also that other siblings of their late son contributed money at intervals to assist their late brother. This was affirmed by one of the deceased brothers Samuel Ogbonna who accompanied them. The mother, Mrs. Esther Ogbonna revealed that their late son was hardworking as he did minor jobs like tailoring and laundry services to augment the provisions from home. She said that her son also complained about his poor performance, as she recalled in one of her conversations with the late son where he expressed displeasure over one of his results and she advised him to buckle up in subsequent examinations to remedy the deficiency.
‘While the University Management is relentless and keen in her investigation of this ugly incident, it is however disheartening that some media houses have already embarked on a mission to tarnish the Universitys image disregarding the place of thorough investigation in journalism.
The statement concluded: “The University Management is deeply pained by this bad news in this citadel of learning and further calls on staff and students to remain calm as investigation is ongoing. Staff and students are encouraged to visit the Centre for Counselling and Career Development which was created on the heels of the assumption of the Vice-Chancellor and mandated to entertain issues especially one that disturbs mental health”.
Son of the late head of state and former Minister of Defence, Chief Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, in a letter of remembrance and solidarity written on behalf of the Aguiyi-Ironsi family to the Fajuyi family, marking the 60th anniversary of his death, said July 29, 2026, will be a solemn occasion to honour a soldier they described as “a war hero who offered himself as a sacrificial lamb for the unity and integrity of the nation.”
The family recalled that Lt Col Fajuyi, then Military Governor of the Western Region, made the ultimate sacrifice in 1966 when mutinous soldiers abducted him alongside Maj Gen Aguiyi-Ironsi in Ibadan during the military counter-coup.
They stated that Fajuyi, in a defining moment of conscience, chose honour over personal safety and refused to abandon his guest and superior, a decision the family said reflected the highest ideals of loyalty, integrity, and military brotherhood.
According to the statement, his action transformed him into a national martyr whose legacy continued to inspire unity, courage, and selfless service.
The Aguiyi-Ironsi family also expressed sympathy with the Fajuyi family, acknowledging the enduring pain of their loss, while praying for continued strength, comfort, and peace.
The statement further stated, “He did not run. He did not hide. He chose to stand. In that sacrificial decision lay the essence of his greatness.”
The family called on government institutions, military authorities, and custodians of national memory to ensure sustained recognition and support for the Fajuyi family, stressing that his sacrifice remained a national responsibility to remember and honour.
It urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from his life and death, noting that his legacy continues to challenge the nation to uphold unity, courage, honour, and selfless service.
Fajuyi was killed on July 29, 1966, during the military counter-coup in Ibadan alongside Aguiyi-Ironsi.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
The emergence of Chief Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere as the Minority Leader of the Federal House of Representatives has been described as a vindication of the fact that the Action People’s Party (APP ) represents the collective interests of the Nigerian masses.
Recall that recently, Ugochinyere was elected as the Minority Leader of the party in a keenly contested election of the Federal House of Representatives.
According to a statement by the Chairman Anambra state chapter of the APP Chief Chijioke Okeke, Ugochinyere had been consistent in offering himself as the voice of the people and that of the voiceless.
“It did not come to us as a surprise that our great leader High Chief Ugochinyere became the Minority leader of the Federal House of Representatives because he has always been consistent and focus towards providing himself as the only vent for the masses at the Green Chambers”
“We know his pedegre as a politician as well as a leader and he has remained focus in ensuring that the voiceless are heard and this is also a vindication of our party’s unflinching desire to provide a veritable platform in a democratic process”
Okeke further stated that the fifth columnists who had attempted to deregister the party have been put to shame adding that the party shall continue to champion the interests of the Nigerian people.
“They made failed attempt at deregistering our great party but they lost sight of the fact that the APP is firmely rooted on ground and has all that it takes to drive the wishes and aspirations of the Nigerian populace and with this recent development our traducers have been put to shame and our party is on the path of further greatness “. Okeke noted .
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Six members of the Indigenous People Of Biafra IPOB have been declared wanted by the Nigerian Police .
The six persons led by Mr Chukwuebuka Ohaechesi, include Emma Okonkwo, Jude Uwa, Gentle Okoro, Uchenna Dike, and Emmanuel Nwankwo who are said to be at large.
The were said to have fled to neighboring states in the South East hence signaling the other four Police Commands in the geopolitical zone to assist in the manhunt for them
The Police accused them of executing protests against the detaintion of the leader of IPOB Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who is currently serving jail terms in Sokoto Correction Center.
According to a statement issued by the Abia Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Eguavon Omokaro, the individuals are suspected members of IPOB who have allegedly participated in protests at various times and locations within the state.
The statement alleged that the protests were organised in connection with the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and demands for justice through the judicial process.
The Police Command further stated that these protests have allegedly resulted in breaches of peace and disruptions to law and order in Abia State. Consequently, the Police Intelligence Department reportedly concluded that the named individuals were among the principal organisers and coordinators of the demonstrations.
The statement further alleged that; ;
“It should be noted that on every 30th day of May, these men and their cohorts convene for the so-called remembrance of Biafra, holding clandestine meetings at various locations in the name of the emancipation of the Biafran Republic and the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”
According to the police, the six individuals were invited on several occasions for questioning in relation to the allegations against them.
The statement indicated that the first invitation was issued on 18 December 2025, followed by a second invitation on 7 February 2026, and a third invitation on 3 March 2026.
The police alleged that the individuals failed to honour all three invitations.
The statement further asserted:
“These individuals were invited by the police on several occasions. Firstly, on 18 December 2025, they failed to honour the invitation. Again, they were invited on 7th February 2026 and failed to appear. Finally, they were invited on 3 March 2026, and they also failed to present themselves before the police.” It stated.
As a result, the Abia State Police Command announced that all six individuals had been formally declared wanted.
The police appealed to members of the public to provide any reliable information that could lead to their arrest and prosecution, stating that informants would be suitably rewarded.
The declaration of the six individuals as wanted persons is linked to allegations of their participation in pro-Biafra activities, demonstrations concerning the detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and their alleged association with IPOB, an organisation that has been the subject of extensive scrutiny and security operations by Nigerian authorities.
In a statement shared on social media, VeryDarkMan argued that Wike may not fully understand the pain and trauma experienced by parents of abducted children and affected teachers. He claimed that the minister’s children were educated abroad, away from the security challenges facing many Nigerian families.Nigerian entertainment news
The activist stated that insecurity, kidnapping, and attacks on schools remain serious national concerns and should not be dismissed or reduced to political issues. He stressed that the fears and frustrations of parents whose children face security threats deserve greater attention from public officials.
VeryDarkMan further warned that political power is temporary, urging leaders to remain accountable to the people and sensitive to the challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians.
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