Stephen Elijah, the Personal Assistant (PA) to the late Chief Charles Onuoha, a former senior staff member of Shell Nigeria, has been arrested in a joint operation by the Nigeria Police Force and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The arrest follows Elijah’s alleged role in the circumstances that led to the tragic death of Chief Onuoha, an Abia State native.
A family source, who requested anonymity, disclosed in an exclusive interview with AFRIPOST that Elijah had served as Chief Onuoha’s PA until his passing in October 2023.
The source recounted how Chief Onuoha, shortly after his retirement, began experiencing serious health issues, including heart and eye problems, which required urgent medical attention overseas. The former Shell executive made plans to travel to Canada for surgery and general medical care.
After contacting a hospital in Canada (name withheld) and agreeing on the treatment costs, Chief Onuoha raised the necessary funds, totaling over $35,000, for his medical expenses.
He traveled to Canada in July 2023, prepared to begin his treatment. However, upon arrival at the hospital, he was informed that his dollar account, which held the entire amount meant for his medical procedures, had been emptied.
Stranded and unable to proceed with the treatment, Chief Onuoha remained in Canada as his health deteriorated. He managed to return to Nigeria in October 2023 but sadly passed away just days after his return.
Following his burial, the family petitioned the EFCC to investigate the missing funds, suspecting that the depletion of his account contributed to Chief Onuoha’s untimely death.
The investigation revealed a trail of financial transfers leading back to Elijah, who was identified as the prime suspect.
The involvement of Elijah, a trusted aide, shocked the family.
According to the source, the family had placed immense trust in him, with Chief Onuoha’s wife even continuing to support Elijah with money, food items, and clothing for his family.
The betrayal was unexpected, given the close relationship Elijah shared with the Onuoha family.
Elijah was apprehended by a police team from the Galadimawa Police Division in Abuja. He was lured to the gate of AMSSCO Platinum City Estate under the pretense of collecting a parcel for Chief Onuoha’s wife.
Upon arrival, he was swiftly arrested by the police and handed over to the EFCC for further investigation.
As of now, the EFCC has yet to provide the Onuoha family with official details of their findings.
The family remains devastated by the involvement of someone they considered a trusted confidant, as the investigation into the matter continues.
 to the late Chief Charles Onuoha, a former senior staff member of Shell Nigeria, has been arrested in a joint operation by the Nigeria Police Force and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).){kind=link}