Nigerian police force found Ikechukwu Onubogu, a cameraman with local public broadcaster Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), dead with bullet wounds on November 15, 2017, in the city of Onitsha in southern Nigeria, according to media reports.
According to the journalist’s younger brother who lived with him, Arinze Onubogu, and media reports, Onubogu left home with his camera on November 12 after speaking with someone on the phone, but never returned.
The journalist’s body was found in a home in Onitsha’s Okpuno neighborhood with bullet wounds to his chest and stomach, Arinze Onubogu told CPJ.
Police investigators traced the last call Ikechukwu Onubogu received on his phone to the house where his body was found, according to Ngozi Obilery, an ABS reporter, and Arinze Onubogu. Police did not release the name of the house’s owner. “We assure the public that no stone would be left unturned, until the perpetrators are brought to justice,” said the Anambra state police public relations officer, Nkeiru Nwode, according to media reports.
A man who answered the phone at the local police department and refused to give his name told CPJ that the department would not provide more information on the case.
Uche Nworah, the managing director of ABS, described Onubogu’s death as “horrific,” according to media reports. This is the first time a member of ABS’s staff has been killed, according to Obilery.
In a statement, Nworah described Onubogu, who was in his 50s, as a peace loving man. “He was dedicated to his job and would do anything to capture images that will help viewers to make meaning of every developing story.”
ABS covers all social, economic, political, and religious issues, according to Ngozi Obilery, a reporter with the TV broadcaster.