By Emma Ogbuehi
Contrary to earlier reports in some sections of the press that the National Examinations Council (NECO), Prof Godswill Obioma, was strangled in his home in Minna, Niger State by unknown assailants, the Police has confirmed that he was not killed but died of natural circumstances.
Controversies had surrounded the manner of his demise owing to conflicting reports in the media. While an online medium, Peoples Gazette, claimed that his wife, Elizabeth, alleged that he was killed, his son, Godswill Obioma 11, reportedly wrote to NECO insisting that he died of natural causes.
In a statement by the Niger State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu A. Abiodun, the Force dismissed the report of Obioma being murdered as “totally false, untrue and a pure element of fake news”. It urged members of the public to disregard the story.
The release stated;
“The attention of Niger State Police Command has been drawn to a publication circulating in some section of social media and national dailies that NECO Registrar Prof. Godswill Obioma was murdered by unknown gunmen in Minna. This story is totally false, untrue and a pure element of fake news.
“It is important to state categorically that on 31st May, 2021 the Registrar/CEO National Examinations Council (NECO), Prof Godswill Obioma was rushed to National Hospital Abuja by his family members where he was later confirmed dead, after a brief illness.
“However, the family of the deceased has also confirmed the incident and formally notify the management and staff of NECO of the demise of the Registrar.
“Members of the public are hereby urged to disregard the fake news and news reporters are advised to always verify their report before publication to avoid creating unnecessary panic and fear in public domain”.