Fish Magnet: Police Backtrack, Praise VDM-Led Candlelight Procession for Slain Entrepreneur

The Anambra State Police Command has commended a candlelight procession led by activist Martin “VeryDarkMan (VDM)” Otse, reversing its earlier stance that discouraged the gathering. The procession was held in honour of Ifesinachi Onyekere, the CEO of Fish Magnet, who was recently abducted and killed.

Held on Tuesday evening, the event saw mourners dressed in black marching from Aroma Junction to the Fish Magnet office at Ring Road, Awka. Despite an initial warning by police against such gatherings, officers were present during the procession and walked alongside the demonstrators.

In a statement released Wednesday on its official Facebook page, the Anambra State Police described the procession as a “walk for peace” and a collective stand against violent crime. “The youths of Anambra came out in their numbers in a symbolic walk for peace, a collective stance against violent crime,” the statement read. “It was not just a march for Fish Magnet, a show of solidarity with the Nigerian Police and other security agencies, but a bold statement to condemn all forms of criminality.”

The police further praised the demonstrators for their peaceful conduct and noted the strong message delivered during the march. “Together, they echoed a clear message: Enough is enough. Criminals can no longer be allowed to terrorise Anambra State and the South-East region. The time has come for unity, vigilance, and community-driven action for a safer Anambra.”

The march was held in response to the brutal killing of Mr Onyekere, who was abducted from his residence in Ezinifite village, Okpuno, in Awka South LGA. The attackers, reported to have arrived in an ash-coloured Lexus SUV, shot the entrepreneur in the leg before abducting him in his own navy blue Toyota Corolla. His body was later found by the roadside in Awka.

According to police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga, investigations are ongoing and intelligence units have been mobilised to track down the perpetrators. He assured the public and the victim’s family that those responsible will be brought to justice.