“They Want My Brother Dead”: Enugu Woman Cries Out as Father is Kidnapped Over Exiled Son

Enugu State indigene Mrs. Ijeoma Kelvin Nee Okonkwo has made a desperate plea for help, revealing the terrifying ordeal her family has endured.

In an exclusive interview with Daily Times, she recounted how her younger brother, Michael Ebuka Okonkwo—a businessman and highlife musician known as The Prince Nwachinaemelu—became the target of relentless attacks, forcing him into exile.

Now, their father has been kidnapped in a chilling escalation of the threats against their family.

The First Attack: A Home in Flames

Michael, a well-known entrepreneur and philanthropist, owned a company at No. 1 Harmony Estate, Amorji Nike, Enugu. On January 7, 2023—the day he launched his highly anticipated album—he was ambushed. His home was set ablaze, and he barely escaped with his live.Fearing for his safety, Michael fled to Lagos, staying there until the end of the month.

But his nightmare was far from over.

The Second Attack: A Narrow Escape

While going to perform at a client’s burial ceremony, Michael was attacked again. Miraculously, he escaped once more,but he lost his lead player to the attack, but this time, he knew he had no choice but to leave the country permanently.

For two years, his family hoped the danger had passed. They urged him to return, believing his absence might have calmed the situation. They were tragically mistaken.

The Kidnapping: A Father’s Sacrifice

On February 24th, 2025, Mrs. Ijeoma Kelvin Nee Okonkwo received a panicked call from the secretary of Helping Hands Foundation, the NGO Michael founded to support the less privileged. She was told that Michael’s company had been completely burned to the ground.

Alarmed, their father immediately drove to the scene. But as he arrived, gunmen stormed the premises, firing into the air to scare away bystanders. Without warning, they kidnapped him.

The family rushed to the nearest police station, only to be told to return the following morning. Before they could take further action, Mrs.Ijeoma Kelvin Nee Okonkwo received a chilling phone call from the kidnappers—using her father’s phone.

The Demand: A Son for a Father

The kidnappers revealed that they were the same group who had attacked Michael two years ago. They admitted to burning down his house and had waited patiently for his return. When he failed to show up, they torched his business instead. By sheer coincidence, their father had arrived at the scene, giving them an opportunity to take him hostage.

Their demand was simple: Michael must return.

But their father refused. In a show of unwavering courage, he told them he would rather die than betray his son.

A Plea for Justice

Now, Mrs. Ijeoma Kelvin Nee Okonkwo is calling on authorities to intervene before it is too late.

“This has broken us mentally, emotionally, and physically,” she said, her voice heavy with grief. “We know our father is alive, but for how long? We need urgent action.”

Mrs Ijeoma Kelvin Nee Okonkwo is urging security agencies to act swiftly, warning that unchecked violence like this has devastated countless families across the country.

“This is beyond our family; it’s a wake-up call for the entire nation,” she declared. “No one is safe if criminals can attack, destroy, and kidnap with impunity. We need justice!”

As the Okonkwo family holds onto hope, Michael remains in hiding, unable to return to the home and life he once knew.