Daily News Reporters Exclusive
In an exclusive, one-on-one interview with Chidiebele Okoye, one of the victims of Anthony Onyeagolu’s alleged assassination squad, he opens up about the harrowing ordeal that nearly took his life. This is a direct recount of his life-threatening experience, as shared with Daily News Reporters.
For many in Isuaniocha, Anthony Onyeagolu is a name that strikes fear; a man allegedly involved in orchestrating bloodshed, terror, and assassinations in a once-peaceful community. But for Chidiebele Okoye, a former professional footballer, Onyeagolu is more than just a feared name; he is the reason his life took a tragic turn.
Shot multiple times and left for dead, Chidiebele miraculously survived an alleged assassination attempt carried out in broad daylight under Onyeagolu’s reportedly ordered execution. His crime? Daring to speak up against injustice.
Below is Chidiebele Okoye’s direct account of the terrifying ordeal he went through.
The day I will never forget in my life was the day I came face-to-face with death—an assassination squad sent to silence me forever.
Leading the squad was the notorious cultist and serial killer, Ifeanyi Anizoba, alias Ichafu, a man known for executing political and personal vendettas in Awka.
His terror campaign was so horrifying that even his own father, a Reverend Pastor, disowned him.
In 2017, Anizoba was arrested and remanded for the brutal massacre of seven opposing cult members but was freed through the intervention of Anthony Onyeagolu.
The first assignment upon his release? Me—the first victim on his hit list.
I am Chidiebele Okoye, a former Nasarawa Football Club star striker. On Friday, 16th November 2018, I returned home to Isuaniocha to collect some important documents ahead of my football trials abroad. The next day, Saturday, 17th November 2018, I attended a town hall meeting presided over by Anthony Onyeagolu, the embattled President-General of our community. At the meeting, Onyeagolu was shouting down elders, including Chief Damian Nnaemene, a man in his seventies. Unable to stand the blatant disrespect, I advised him to show courtesy and be democratic. That was my only crime. I will never forget his words as he turned to me, enraged:
“Who are you to speak to me?”
Unbeknownst to me, those words sealed my fate.
After the meeting, I rushed to Onitsha to submit my documents. Midway through my journey, a chilling call came in:
“Anthony Onyeagolu has sent his hit squad after you and Angus Okoye. Your car has already been destroyed.”
Fear gripped me, but nothing could have prepared me for what was to come.
The next morning, Sunday, 18th November 2018, I took a bike to buy fuel at Ifite-Isu Junction, near Onyeagolu’s white house. As I refueled, Obinwanne Ibeania approached me, pretending to greet me. I had no idea he was part of their syndicate.
Moments later, a shuttle bus came speeding toward me. I instinctively jumped off my bike.
Suddenly, gunmen poured out; among them is:
- Anthony Onyeagolu (The mastermind)
- Ifeanyi Anizoba alias Ichafu (The squad leader)
- Ebuka Amodoo
- Moses Emebo
- Emeka Maduka
Without hesitation, they opened fire on me in broad daylight.
As the bullets tore through my body, I heard Onyeagolu’s chilling words:
“His time is up!”
I collapsed. Everything went dark.
As I faded into unconsciousness, I heard them say:
“Let’s move straight to Angus’ house.”
Three days later, I woke up in a hospital—surrounded by police officers.
By some divine miracle, I had survived multiple gunshot wounds. But my battle was far from over.
Shortly after the attack, Anthony Onyeagolu, Obinwanne Ibeania, and a few others were arrested. But justice was never served.
They were due in court on 26th November 2018. However, Onyeagolu’s close ally, then Commissioner of Police Garuba Umar, ordered their release under the pretense that they would voluntarily appear in court. None of them showed up.
Instead, Onyeagolu reassembled his assassination squad. Their next targets included:
- Angus Okoye – A key witness against Onyeagolu in an EFCC case.
- Onyemazi Ngini – The youth leader.
- Chief Cosmas Okonkwo – Former Mayor of Awka North.
- Chief Edward Okoye – The community vigilante chairman.
Tragically, Angus Okoye was kidnapped and assassinated on 16th December 2018.
Despite being dethroned as President-General by Governor Willie Obiano in December 2018, Onyeagolu remains a free man, orchestrating more attacks.
Recent victims include:
- 16th September 2023 – DSS personnel were ambushed, shot, and their patrol vehicle burned.
- 12th June 2024 – Maduabuchi Ementa was shot for refusing to join their terror group.
- 7th December 2024 – Chukwuma Onyibo was shot and presumed dead but is still fighting for his life in the hospital.
- 8th January 2025 – Jekwu Okoye was attacked; his Sienna riddled with bullets.
I may never play professional football again. My dreams were stolen, my body is scarred, and my community remains in fear.
I am calling on:
- Governor Chukwuma Soludo
- The Anambra State Government
- Security agencies
To put an end to Onyeagolu’s reign of terror before more lives are lost.
I also appeal to Agunechemba Security under Mr. Ken Emeakayi to expose the true criminals in Isuaniocha and not be deceived by blood money.
Isuaniocha deserves peace. And we will not rest until the mastermind of these atrocities is brought to justice.
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are based on the personal account of Chidiebele Okoye as shared with Daily News Reporters. The allegations made are the responsibility of the victim and are linked to Anthony Onyeagolu and his associates. The Daily News Reporters does not claim to independently verify all aspects of the account but presents this as the victim’s testimony.
