Friends and family members of popular Abuja chef, Emeka Eloagu, have been thrown into mourning after he was found dead in his apartment on Sunday, August 1.

He was reportedly found dead by his wife at his Abuja residence on Sunday night, August 1, 2021.

While the cause of his death remain uncertain, an account by some of his friends claim he was stabbed to death by assailants who gained access into his home.

Another account claim the deceased was killed by two persons who he granted access into his apartment. They allegedly stripped him naked, tied him up and then strangled him.

LIB reached out to the FCT command spokesperson, ASP Maria Yusuf, to comment on this incident. She said the matter is being in investigated.

Emeka, 35, is a chef of repute in Abuja. He is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Paris with a Grande Diplomé in cuisine and patisserie. He creates a combination of French cooking methods with Nigerian cuisine, and is known to have hosted celebrities and politicians at his restaurant which he operates in the capital city.

The Federal Capital Territory Police spokesperson, Mariam Yusuf, has confirmed the death of Creative Director of Helenes Food Company, Emeka Eloagu.

Talking about himself, Eloagu once said, “Chef Emeka believes in the artistry of food. He believes good food connects us with people and places and is an important aspect of cultural heritage. He enjoys traveling the world, learning.”

The FCT Police spokeswoman told journalists that the Police was still investigating the case to ascertain the exact cause of Eloagu’s death.

His family have also called on the public to respect their privacy at this time of grief.

Following comments from friends on the death of the chef, the family called for calm in a statement to allow the police unravel the circumstances behind the murder.

The statement signed by Ikechi Vincent-Eloagu on behalf of the family said “Emeka is described by all who know and love him as a gentle soul. In the words of his wife, ‘He never hurt anybody, Emeka is the best guy!’”

It further stated, “We implore friends, well-wishers and the general public to please be patient until the ongoing police investigations are over and we can all have a clear knowledge of what happened.

“Our hearts are shattered, but we trust in the Lord. We ask that you keep us in your prayers and respect our privacy at this time.”

Eloagu, who is survived by his wife Chidinma, siblings and an aged mother.