The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Blessed HENKEN International Co. Ltd., Mr. Henry Okoroafor, has come out strongly to clear the air on recent murder allegations levelled against him, following the death of an Ariaria International Market allottee member, Mr. Ike Uchendu.
The controversy erupted after the sudden collapse and death of Mr. Uchendu on November 16, 2024, a month after an altercation involving Mr. Uchendu and Mr. Okoroafor at the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) premises. The incident, which escalated into a full-blown confrontation, has now become a subject of police investigation after a murder petition was filed against Mr. Okoroafor.
After months of calls from the public and stakeholders demanding to hear his side of the story, Mr. Henry Okoroafor has finally spoken out, addressing the allegations in detail and providing a chronological account of events.
According to Mr. Okoroafor, the matter took a legal dimension when, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, a police officer visited his office located in the New A-Line Complex of the Ariaria International Market to deliver an invitation letter summoning him to the Aba Police Area Command. He complied and honoured the invitation on Friday, May 9, 2025.
During the visit, Mr. Okoroafor was shown a petition, dated November 16, 2024, accusing him of orchestrating a violent attack that allegedly led to the death of Mr. Ike Uchendu. The petition claimed that thugs allegedly sent by Mr. Okoroafor assaulted Uchendu, which ultimately resulted in his demise.
Mr. Okoroafor gave a detailed account of the incident that set off the chain of events. He recalled that on October 15, 2024, a peace meeting was convened by the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA). Present at the meeting were GADA’s legal counsel, Mr. Okoroafor and his lawyer, and a representative of the allottees, Mr. Kingsley Achonu (Allottees chairman). However, the absence of the allottees’ lawyer stalled the meeting, and after hours of waiting, GADA’s lawyer advised the participants to reschedule. It was noted that the General Manager of GADA, Mr. Uche Ukeje, though originally expected to attend, was not present during the meeting.
As Mr. Okoroafor was about exiting GADA lawyers office, he alleged that Mr. Achonu began shouting inflammatory words, aiming to incite violence. Unknown to him, a group of about 28 allottee members had already assembled in the premises waiting for his departure. Unaccompanied by any security personnel, Mr. Okoroafor stated that he was ambushed on his way to his vehicle.
He alleged that the late Mr. Ike Uchendu, identified as one of the aggressors, snatched his eyeglasses, broke them, and punched him in the face, causing a bleeding injury. Others joined in physically assaulting him. Despite the violent provocation, Mr. Okoroafor said he remained non-confrontational and did not retaliate. The entire episode reportedly occurred within the GADA premises.
After sustaining serious injuries, he was rushed to Living Word Hospital for medical treatment. Following the incident, Mr. Okoroafor reported the matter to the police and subsequently contacted the Department of State Services (DSS). Operatives of “Operation Crush” arrived at the scene to investigate and control the situation.
A formal petition was later filed by Mr. Okoroafor at Zone 9 Police Command against the attackers. The assailants were invited, questioned, and subsequently released on bail. Both parties were directed to report to the Zone 9 police regularly.
About a month and one day after the attack on November 16, 2024, Mr. Uchendu reportedly collapsed in his shop and died. The following day, members of the allottee group staged a protest in Ariaria International Market, accusing Mr. Okoroafor of masterminding Mr. Uchendu’s death.
The protest triggered another wave of public interest, prompting the police to invite Mr. Okoroafor again on May 9, 2025, to make a formal statement on the murder allegation.
Mr. Okoroafor revealed that during their routine visits to Zone 9 Police, both parties were instructed to submit medical reports. While Mr. Okoroafor provided his, the late Mr. Uchendu’s own was never submitted.
However, colleagues of the deceased informed police investigators that Uchendu had been suffering from high blood pressure, reportedly recording a blood pressure level of 270 before his collapse, a critical red flag which may have been the true cause of his death.
On Monday, May 12, 2025, during a follow-up police invitation, Mr. Uchendu’s family indicated interest in an out-of-police settlement. They requested that Mr. Okoroafor consider supporting the bereaved family financially.
In response, Mr. Okoroafor said he was open to a humanitarian gesture, but only after the family officially withdrew the murder petition. He emphasized that any support from him would be out of compassion, not as an admission of guilt or liability.
Mr. Okoroafor has maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal. He insists he neither incited nor orchestrated any attack and is prepared to face the matter in court if necessary. According to him, no amount of intimidation will deter his pursuit of justice.
As the investigation continues, stakeholders across Ariaria International Market and beyond are closely monitoring the outcome, hopeful that the truth will eventually prevail.
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