Disappearance of Big Ben: Group urges security agencies to interrogate associates

A group, Awka Progressives Forum (APF) has urged security agencies in Anambra State to interrogate business associates of missing businessman, Mr Benjamin Ezemma, to find out what truly happened to him.

Mr Ezemma, also known as Big Ben, a real estate mogul and vice chairman of Dubai Estate in Anambra has been missing since November 12, 2024, after he left his hotel room to hold a meeting with some of his business associates.

Though another real estate mogul, Mr Jeff Nweke has already been dragged to court in connection with the matter, but members of APF in a statement released to journalists in Awka said there was need for security agencies to invite Chairman of Dubai Estate, Mr Chukwudi Ezenma who is an associate of the missing man, and other associates of his, and interrogate them.

In the statement which was signed by Chairman and Secretary of the group, Ken Igwedimma and Chinwuko Ibeabuchi respectively, APF said it has read write ups on social media which were against Nweke, and suggested that he was responsible for the disappearance of the businessman.

The group said the unsigned write up smacks of mischief, and may be geared towards diverting attention from the real kidnappers of Ezemma. They urged security agencies not to be fixated on Nweke, who they believe is innocent.

The statement read: “Such unsubstantiated Facebook remarks made before the matter is heard may be aimed at diverting attention, the more reason the security agencies should be more proactive and pursue their investigation diligently.

“We are honestly taken aback by this obvious campaign of calumny against Ozo Jeff Nweke and wonder why the writer choose to remain faceless if his intentions and motivations were not sinister.

“We advise these faceless Facebook writers who indulge in this campaign of calumny to channel their energies toward unraveling the mystery behind the disappearance of Benjamin Ezemma on November 12, 2024, as reported by his wife for positive results.

“Security Agencies should invite and interrogate all business associates of the missing man, especially Mr Chukwudi Ezenma, who is the chairman of Dubai Estate, where the missing Ezemma is the vice chairman.”

They described the accused Jeff Nweke as a philanthropist, a community leader who has dedicated himself to helping humanity, including offering to pay anyone who would volunteer information that can lead to arrest of cultists in Awka. They also listed some of his philanthropic deeds in Ezinano community where he hails from.