Outrage in Onitsha as Billionaire Master Denies Nwa Boi Settlement After 7 Years of Service [VIDEO]

 

Tension gripped Onitsha's bustling Electronics Market this week as a storm of outrage followed the shocking news that a young apprentice, after seven tireless years of loyal service, was refused settlement by his wealthy master. The story of the dedicated Nwa Boi has sparked a wave of protests and deep conversations about fairness, exploitation, and justice within the traditional Igbo apprenticeship system.

Eyewitnesses say the billionaire businessman, popularly known as the Nnewi Oga, not only failed to fulfill his end of the agreement but went further to accuse the young man of theft—alleging a missing sum of ₦13 million. Rather than follow the age-old tradition of rewarding and empowering an apprentice after years of learning and labor, the master dragged him to court and even warned that he should stay away from the entire market.

That threat didn’t sit well with the community.

Traders, line leaders, and customers alike are voicing outrage. According to several market stakeholders, the boy was widely admired not just for his discipline and work ethic but also for his sheer talent and dedication. “He was the kind of Nwa Boi everyone prayed to have. Quiet, humble, never lazy. The boy could run the shop like his oga,” one trader said, shaking his head in disbelief.

This isn’t just a private dispute anymore—it’s a public scandal. Protests erupted in the market, with fellow traders calling out what they described as “pure wickedness” and a betrayal of trust. Many are questioning what message this sends to other apprentices across the region. If a boy could serve for seven long years and still be cast aside empty-handed and accused of theft, what future lies ahead for others?

Support for the boy continues to swell. Market leaders have started consultations to mediate the issue, but the Oga reportedly remains unmoved. He is said to have sworn to deal with anyone who dares offer the boy assistance, intensifying an already volatile situation.

Observers say this isn’t just about one boy or one oga—it’s a reflection of a deeper crisis in the apprenticeship culture. For generations, the Igbo apprenticeship system has served as a cornerstone of economic empowerment, a model built on mutual respect and reward for hard work. What happens when trust is broken on such a foundational level?

As the legal battle brews and emotions run high, the boy’s future hangs in limbo. No settlement. No startup capital. No shop. Just years of sweat, sleepless nights, and a name now being dragged through the mud.

Community leaders and elders are being urged to intervene, not just to resolve the issue at hand but to protect the integrity of a system that has produced countless business successes over the decades. For now, though, one thing is clear: a market that once hummed with commerce is now echoing with anger, sorrow, and a powerful call for justice.