A businessman, Richard Nomanzi, has been found dead at his residence in Ogbogoro, a community within the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, after being brutally attacked. The 43-year-old, who traded in metal scrap, was discovered on Wednesday, following concerns from neighbours who noticed a foul smell emanating from his apartment.
Nomanzi’s tragic death has sent shockwaves through the local community, leaving both residents and family members in disbelief. The police have launched an investigation into the murder, but as of Thursday, no suspects have been identified.
The alarm was first raised when neighbours began to notice an unpleasant odour coming from Nomanzi’s apartment. Concerned for his well-being, they alerted the authorities and his family. Upon entering the residence, they found Nomanzi’s lifeless body lying in front of his door, his face and body covered in multiple stab wounds.
Gift, a woman who identified herself as the mother of Nomanzi’s child, Favour, spoke to journalists about the devastating news she received. Gift recalled getting a phone call at around 3:15 pm on Wednesday, while she was at her business premises. The caller inquired if she knew Richard Nomanzi and then instructed her to come to Ogbogoro immediately.
Upon arriving at the scene, she was greeted with the chilling sight of Nomanzi’s body. “When I arrived, I saw his corpse at the front of his door. When they turned him over, I was horrified—he had been stabbed all over his face and stomach, with a deep cut across his neck,” Gift said.
She continued, “With the help of the police, we took him to the mortuary. All I want right now is justice for him and his child.”
Gift’s pain was palpable as she spoke of her shock and grief. Her words reflect the sorrow and confusion that has engulfed the family, who are still grappling with the brutal loss.
Local residents have been left in a state of fear and anxiety, with many wondering how such a horrific act could occur in their peaceful community. The motive behind the murder remains unclear, and there is little information at this stage about potential suspects or the circumstances surrounding Nomanzi’s death.
The tragic incident has also raised concerns about the safety of residents in the area, with many questioning the level of security in the community. In recent months, there have been increasing reports of violence and criminal activities in some parts of Rivers State, and the murder of Nomanzi only adds to the growing unease.
Following the discovery of Nomanzi’s body, the case was reported to the Ozuoba Police Division, under the Choba Area Command. Officers have since launched an investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding his death. As of Thursday afternoon, the Rivers State Police Command had not yet issued a formal update on the progress of the investigation.
When contacted for comment, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed that the case had been reported to the Ozuoba Police Division and that the investigation was ongoing. However, she also noted that she was still waiting to receive full details from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at the time of filing the report.
Family members, including Gift, have demanded justice for Richard Nomanzi. They are calling on the police to ensure that those responsible for his death are swiftly apprehended and brought to trial. “All I want right now is justice for him and his child,” Gift said, highlighting the importance of finding the person or persons responsible for the crime.
The murder of Nomanzi is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have raised concerns about safety and security in Rivers State.
