The family of Abasifreke John Jeremiah, a rising Nigerian wrestler from Akwa Ibom State, who died under mysterious circumstances in Bayelsa State, has petitioned the police and the state authorities to investigate his death and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Jeremiah, popularly known as Ab Jerry Jerry, went to Bayelsa State on 10th December, 2023 for training preparatory to a wrestling competition. His family was informed on 28th December, 2023 that he drowned on 27th December, 2023 after a boat he was traveling with capsized.
However, the family became suspicious when the people who reported his death and claimed to have recovered his corpse refused to send a photograph of his body to his family for identification despite repeated demands.
The family eventually obtained the photograph of the corpse through an anonymous source, which showed visible signs of deep cut in the neck and a bloodied body, raising doubts about the drowning claim and suggesting that he may have been murdered.
The father of the deceased, a retired Superintendent of the Nigeria Police Force, engaged a human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, to petition the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, to demand a thorough investigation and a coroner’s inquest into his son’s death.
Effiong also wrote to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, the Attorney General of Akwa Ibom State and the Commissioner for Youth and Sport in Akwa Ibom, asking for their intervention in ensuring that justice is done in this case.
According to Effiong, those who should be questioned are evading police invitations and playing hide and seek. No one has been arrested or questioned till date.
The family suspects that there are ongoing plans to compromise the investigation into this case.The family is demanding justice for their son, who was a promising talent in the Nigerian wrestling scene.
Effiong posted the photograph of the corpse and the details of the case on his social media account, X, on Thursday, 25th January, 2024, calling for public support and awareness.
He also urged anyone with useful information to contact him or the police.The case has sparked outrage and sympathy among the online community, who have expressed their condolences to the family and called for justice for Jeremiah.
Some have also questioned the safety and security of athletes in the country, especially those who travel to other states for training or competitions.
The police and the state authorities have not yet responded to the petition or the public outcry.