Unresolved Crime: Nigerian Police Silent on the Disappearance of Celine Ndudim and Afiba Tandoh Following the Death of Andrew Ochekwo
By MrBen
28/04/25
It has now been several months since the tragic and suspicious death of British citizen Andrew Amechi Ochekwo while under the custody of Nigerian police — yet critical questions surrounding the fate of two missing women, Celine Ndudim and Afiba Tandoh, remain unanswered.
On April 27, 2024, Celine and Afiba traveled from Port Harcourt to Aba, Abia State, reportedly to visit Andrew, who was a friend of Celine’s. The next day, a distress message was sent by Afiba to a friend, Blessing Onyinye, alleging that they had been kidnapped by their host, Andrew. Shockingly, Blessing withheld the message for 48 hours, delaying any meaningful police response.
Following a delayed arrest on May 8, 2024, Andrew Ochekwo was secretly moved across multiple Nigerian states under highly irregular and unofficial circumstances by law enforcement officers. Reports indicate he was detained in hotels, subjected to extortion, and denied basic legal rights. On May 26, 2024, Andrew was killed while still effectively under police control — an incident the Nigeria Police Force briefly admitted was a “murder.”
Since then, however, no formal communication has been made by the Nigeria Police regarding:
The status of the missing women. Despite the early SOS message and widespread media concern, the police have never formally confirmed that Celine and Afiba are indeed missing persons. The investigation into Andrew’s death. Beyond the initial acknowledgment that Andrew was murdered, there has been no detailed statement, no arrests announced, and no transparency about the officers responsible for his unlawful movement and eventual death. Accountability for police misconduct. There has been no update on any internal investigations into the officers who violated due process and facilitated Andrew’s killing.
This stunning silence raises serious concerns about systemic corruption, impunity, and a possible cover-up.
Human rights advocates argue that the unresolved nature of this case reflects a broader crisis within Nigeria’s criminal justice system — where suspects are routinely denied fair trials, and victims and their families are left without answers.
International attention is also growing. A petition has been launched calling for the United Kingdom government to formally demand an independent investigation into the treatment and death of Andrew Ochekwo, a British citizen, and into the unresolved disappearance of Celine and Afiba.
Key Questions Nigerians Are Asking:
Why have Nigerian police not officially declared Celine and Afiba missing? Why were officers allowed to move a high-profile suspect unofficially, leading to his death? Who ordered Andrew’s secret transfer, and who benefits from his silence? Where are Celine and Afiba?
Until clear answers are given, the Nigerian public — and the families of the victims — are left to mourn without closure, and to fear that justice is being quietly buried.
Nigeria deserves answers. Justice demands action. Silence is complicity.