The Igbo Movie Producers Association of Nigeria (IMPAN) has announced the alleged murder of Nollywood actor, Emma Buchi, by his personal assistant.

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday in Enugu, the president of IMPAN, Johnpaul Nwanganga, said a member of the deceased’s family confirmed the murder.

Mr Nwanganga said the PA (name withheld) allegedly murdered the thespian in the same apartment in Asaba, where they both lived.

According to him, the PA was a butcher before approaching the deceased, asking to be taught film production.

He said the decomposing body of the actor was found in his room on Tuesday, July 12, but he had been killed on July 7 by the PA, who carted away his belongings, leaving only his ceiling fan.

“Information from the deceased family member said the PA’s house in Umuahia has been razed by protesting youths since he escaped,’’ Mr Nwanganga said.

He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure the perpetrator was arrested and warned Nigerians to be wary of whom they hired as personal assistants.

He recalled that Buchi’s murder was brought to public knowledge by a Facebook user on Tuesday.

The Facebook user posted that neighbours found Buchi’s remains after they perceived a pungent odour oozing out of his window and sawflies gathering there since Monday.

“The guy killed him and went away with his property and locked his dead body in the room.

“He wanted to go with his car, but I guess he couldn’t drive and so he left the car key in the car,’’ the Facebook user posted.

The police spokesman in Delta, Bright Edafe, said an investigation had started into the murder.

He said while the PA to Buchi had been fingered, the police would not presume him guilty until proven so.

“If the family says their suspect is the PA, we shall still investigate. We are on his trail as he is on the run,’’ he said.

Mr Edafe added that no arrest had been made, but the police would surely get to the root of the matter. 

(NAN)