A night meant for celebration and joy turned into a scene of horror as Maduba Okechi Christian, CEO of Ceemore Group of Companies, allegedly unleashed violence on young women at the upscale Blacbox nightclub in Port Harcourt. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, has left the victims with serious injuries and sparked outrage across social media and beyond.
According to witnesses, the evening began like any other birthday celebration. Juliet Obasi, one of the survivors, recounted the terrifying ordeal:
“He took a bottle from our table and smashed it on my head. I didn’t even know I was bleeding until people started shouting, ‘You’re bleeding!’”
Juliet, who had travelled from Owerri to join her friend’s celebration, described how the situation escalated rapidly. “They pushed me downstairs, stripped me naked, and beat me mercilessly,” she added.
The birthday celebrant, Anthonia Okoye, had reserved a table at the club for N200,000. She and her friends were enjoying the night when the CEO approached them.
“He came to our reserved seat and asked if he could join us, but we politely refused,” Okoye stated. “
He flared up when he noticed one of us making a video and ordered us to stop.” What followed was a violent outburst, with the CEO—reportedly accompanied by a mobile police officer and bodyguards—breaking bottles and physically assaulting the women.
Public Outrage and Social Media Reaction
The news of the attack spread quickly, with videos and photos of the injured women circulating on social media. Netizens have called for justice, with many expressing anger at the perceived impunity of the accused.
“Ceemore, who is the suspect in this case, seems to be unapologetic and has conducted himself with impunity,” declared Cyrus Onu, the victims’ counsel.
“He and his team have conducted themselves arrogantly, feeling that they can drag this case on for as long as they want because they have the money. But they will be surprised.”
Police Response and Legal Action
The Rivers State Police Command has denied any cover-up, stating that the case is already in court and undergoing due process.
The victims and their lawyer are demanding access to CCTV footage from the club to support their case.
“The only mistake we made was going to that club. The only reason we reserved a table was because we knew how the club usually is,” Juliet Obasi lamented, expressing her trauma and frustration at the lack of intervention from club security.
Quote of the Day
“Justice delayed is justice denied. Let the law take its full course and let no one be above it.”
— Cyrus Onu, Victims’ Counsel
This shocking incident has reignited debates about the safety of women in public spaces and the need for stronger measures to protect citizens from acts of violence by persons of influence. As the case unfolds in court, many are watching closely to see if justice will prevail. The victims, still recovering from their injuries, have shown remarkable courage in speaking out. Their story serves as a stark reminder that no one should be above the law, and that the safety and dignity of every individual must be upheld at all times.
